Researchers explore link between bacterial vaginosis and HIV transmission in women, highlighting importance of standardized diagnosis and testing. The study aims to standardize discussions around BV clinical and research findings, shedding light on the microbial make-up of the vagina and its impact on HIV acquisition.
Researchers found that 86% of individuals who entered HIV care soon after diagnosis maintained viral suppression after 48 weeks. The high rate of viral suppression is attributed to recent advances in HIV care, including changes in treatment guidelines and the inclusion of integrase inhibitors in first-line ART regimens.
A second person has experienced sustained remission from HIV-1 after ceasing treatment through a stem cell transplant. The patient remained undetectable after stopping antiretroviral therapy (ARV) and his immune cells continue to lack the CCR5 receptor, making it difficult for the virus to enter host cells.
A new study reveals the crucial role of a protein called Nef in allowing HIV to thrive within human cells despite the immune system's efforts to combat it. The research team showed that Nef antagonizes another protein called TIM, effectively reducing its power to protect human cells and making it easier for the HIV virus to release.
LeVar Burton receives the Inamori Ethics Prize for his decades-long dedication to promoting children's literacy and supporting AIDS research. The award recognizes his tireless advocacy and impact on the human condition.
Researchers designed and created proteins that mimicked different surface features of HIV, inducing rabbits to develop antibodies that could bind with the virus. The study provides a novel way to design proteins for vaccines, potentially paving the way for developing a vaccine for HIV.
The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) presented 11 oral and 19 poster presentations on HIV and TB co-morbidities, treatment, and cure. Key findings include novel medications for MDR-TB and the impact of DMPA injections among women treated for HIV and TB.
A new study by researchers from The Dartmouth Institute found that only a few patient decision aids are available for seriously ill patients near death, and their quality is varying. The tools were designed for specific conditions or life-sustaining treatments but lacked general treatment approaches.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have made a breakthrough in understanding how HIV antibodies adapt to viral changes, identifying a crucial mutation that enables them to target diverse virus strains. This finding has significant implications for developing effective HIV vaccines.
A new study called REACH seeks to understand the safety and acceptability of a daily oral tablet called Truvada (PrEP) and a monthly vaginal ring containing an antiretroviral drug called dapivirine. The study aims to enroll 300 young women and girls ages 16-21 in four African countries, providing them with choices in HIV prevention.
Scientists at George Mason University have identified a measurable indicator of cofilin dysfunction, a key protein regulating cell migration. This discovery may lead to new therapies to repair immune damages and potentially achieve a functional cure for HIV.
A new assay developed by NIH-supported scientists can accurately count the cells comprising the HIV reservoir, enabling researchers to understand whether their strategies are working. This advance aims to speed HIV research by allowing scientists to easily quantify the number of proviruses that must be eliminated to achieve a cure.
A new 90-day vaginal ring containing tenofovir is being tested for its safety in preventing HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections. The Phase I study aims to determine the safety of the ring for three months, with results expected mid-2020.
A randomized trial in Malawi found that providing pregnant women with HIV self-testing kits and incentivizing their male partners to test increased partner participation rates. Self-testing with financial incentives or phone reminders were particularly effective, while standalone self-testing without additional support had limited impact.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur have identified CD4 T lymphocytes as a key target for HIV infection and developed a new approach to eliminate infected cells. By blocking the virus's energy production, scientists can destroy infected reservoirs, potentially leading to remission.
A team from GW is investigating the causes of cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients and testing a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce heart disease risk.
A new study published in Immunity shows that an experimental HIV vaccine protects rhesus macaques from infection by inducing neutralizing antibodies against a Tier 2 virus. The vaccine strategy, developed over two decades, aims to train the immune system to recognize and attack vulnerable areas on the HIV envelope protein.
A new study reveals that testosterone use can significantly increase bone mineral density (BMD) in HIV-infected men. In particular, testosterone was associated with a higher BMD score at the lumbar spine in virologically suppressed individuals.
The NIH will fund HIV care and prevention research in counties with high rates of new HIV cases nationwide. The new initiative leverages partnerships with local health authorities and community-based groups to test sustainable interventions.
A team of researchers at Duke University Medical Center has identified a shortcut to recreate a critical HIV antibody that neutralizes the virus. By understanding the maturation pathway of this antibody, they found a strategic detour around a previous obstacle, enabling the development of more effective vaccines.
A new smartphone and tablet application called HIVSmart! has been evaluated among an at-risk population in Montreal, showing that it is feasible and accepted by the community. The study found that 99.3% of participants who self-tested negative received counselling, while 98.8% found the app useful.
Canadian researchers found that genetic mutations affecting the HIV-1 capsid make it possible for TRIM5α to trigger an antiviral state in elite controllers, a subset of patients with strong immune systems. This mechanism could be used to develop immunity strategies against HIV.
A potential joint US-Mexico opioid epidemic is looming due to relaxed regulations, increased demand, and pharmaceutical pressure. The study highlights the need for US resources to mitigate a possible epidemic in Mexico.
A recent study found a direct link between the amount of stigma men with HIV report experiencing and their scores on cognitive tests, measuring abilities like memory and attention. The researchers suggest that addressing stigma may address cognitive impairment in this population by reducing anxiety and depression.
Researchers have identified two patients with a rare natural ability to suppress HIV, shedding light on the potential for a functional cure. Despite high levels of infected T cells, these patients show no measurable viral load in blood tests, raising hopes that long-term viral remission might be possible for more people.
A new candidate HIV vaccine from Scripps Research stimulates a powerful anti-HIV antibody response in animal tests, overcoming technical hurdles that stymied previous vaccine efforts. The vaccine strategy is based on the HIV envelope protein, Env, and uses a simple method to stabilize Env proteins in the desired shape.
A study found that HIV latency differs between the gut and blood, with unique mechanisms governing transcription in each. This discovery could inform new therapies aimed at curing HIV.
A new study published in The Lancet HIV indicates that HIV-2 is more pathogenic than previously demonstrated, with a slower but identical progression to AIDS as HIV-1. Early treatment is recommended for all patients with HIV-2, despite current WHO guidelines only offering treatment to those with HIV-1.
The dapivirine-levonorgestrel ring provided protection against HIV infection and unintended pregnancy for 90 days, with plasma concentrations of levonorgestrel consistent with those required for contraception. The ring was well-tolerated and showed promising results in its first clinical study.
Families participating in pediatric advance care planning experienced a better understanding of their child's end-of-life care choices, leading to alleviated physical symptoms. The study found that patients and families who received these sessions had significantly reduced HIV-specific symptoms up to 12 months later.
A study found that patients with HIV are more likely to experience tuberculosis drug-related adverse events and have longer treatment durations. The researchers emphasized the importance of having resources and expertise to treat coinfected patients in areas with high HIV prevalence.
Researchers at U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) advance experimental heroin vaccine through Phase I/IIa clinical trials. The vaccine aims to block the euphoria and addictive effects of heroin by binding it in the blood, potentially giving people a window to overcome addiction.
A team of nurses and physicians has received a four-year, $3 million grant to extend traditional HIV treatment protocols to improve cardiovascular health. The project aims to address the rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease among HIV patients.
A multi-institutional team has revealed new details about the HIV virus capsid structure and its role in the life cycle. Researchers found that a naturally occurring small molecule called IP6 plays an important part in both immature and mature phases of the HIV life cycle, making it a potential target for new treatments.
Researchers discovered anti-a4b7 therapy significantly reduces lymphoid aggregates in the GI tract of HIV-1 infected patients. The study found that this therapy may have significant implications for HIV treatment.
A recent grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research will support a study characterizing the oral microbiome in children with HIV infection. The study aims to understand how HIV affects tooth decay, with potential applications for personalized medicine and improved prevention strategies.
Researchers have identified a key protein called RAB11FIP5 that regulates natural killer cell activity in people who produce protective HIV antibodies. This discovery could lead to the development of a vaccine that triggers these antibodies before HIV infection.
A 4-year-old boy was infected with HIV-1 after accidental exposure to the virus through his father's skin blisters during seroconversion, a period of viral replication and immune response. The transmission highlights the importance of understanding HIV transmission in atypical ways.
A study by New York University researchers found that training business managers and staff to recognize signs of an overdose and administer naloxone can save lives. The intervention, which included a 90-minute training session, improved participants' knowledge and attitudes towards responding to overdoses.
A special Festschrift dedicated to Dr. Mathilde Krim celebrates her life and medical career, featuring articles on HIV research and a range of scientific studies contributed by the Krim Fellows. The issue highlights key findings on CD4-HIV-1 envelope interactions and the complex role of immunoglobulin A in HIV, among other topics.
A new study found that over a quarter of HIV medical providers surveyed couldn't say whether their state had expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Providers in states that expanded Medicaid were more likely to believe the law would improve HIV outcomes, but all providers agreed it would improve overall healthcare outcomes.
A large study identified 67 post-treatment controllers with low viral loads for 24 weeks or longer without medication. These individuals had lower levels of intact viral DNA and smaller viral reservoirs before treatment interruption.
A Swiss research team has identified a factor influencing immune response in HIV-1 infected individuals: the virus genome. Broadly neutralizing antibodies were found to target envelope proteins with varying levels of efficiency.
Researchers have developed a novel method to date 'hibernating' HIV strains, revealing a genetically diverse latent reservoir that can persist for decades. The study confirms the importance of understanding the timeline and characteristics of HIV in the latent reservoir for developing an effective cure.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute developed a novel strategy for delivering complex anti-HIV immunoadhesins using synthetic DNA technology, achieving robust and long-term in vivo expression. This breakthrough enables the production of functional eCD4-Ig immunoadhesin with enhanced potency.
The Keep It Up! program, a novel online HIV prevention initiative, has been shown to reduce sexually transmitted infections by 40 percent among gay young men. The program will now be implemented nationally as part of the next phase, testing two implementation strategies: community-based and direct-to-consumer methods.
HIV/AIDS research has led to significant advances in heart disease, hepatitis, and cancer. Scientists have better understood the vital role of CD4+ T cells in thwarting other infectious diseases and certain cancers.
A crowdsourced intervention led to an 8.9% absolute increase in the number of gay men who got tested for HIV in eight Chinese cities. The campaign used a multimedia approach, including contests for images, concepts, and messages, to promote HIV testing.
Researchers found a 9% increase in HIV testing during the intervention period, with crowdsourcing effective in promoting HIV self-testing among MSM. The study suggests crowdsourcing as a tool for developing youth-friendly HIV services and improving treatment outcomes worldwide.
A six-session school-based program significantly reduced the chances that students would force sex on someone else, with an effect that held true over four years. The intervention also showed promise in reducing victimization, although this effect was not significant over the entire time period.
A new study finds that brief motivational interviewing interventions during routine HIV care can significantly reduce heavy drinking and improve condomless sex behavior among MSM living with HIV. Over a year, participants who received the intervention reported fewer drinks per week and days of heavy drinking.
Scientists have developed a faster way to analyze the outcome of experimental vaccines against HIV and other pathogens. The new system lets researchers quickly assess the full spectrum of antibodies produced in an individual's response to a pathogen or vaccine.
A new method evaluates the community effect of HIV interventions, tracing transmission from infected individuals to those newly infected. The research provides a more comprehensive understanding of intervention effectiveness in reducing disease spread.
Extended-release naltrexone helps HIV-positive individuals reduce their number of heavy drinking days and improve antiretroviral therapy adherence. The study found significant decreases in heavy drinking days among participants receiving naltrexone, but no effect on antiretroviral adherence.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study identified CMPK2 and BCLG as potential new drug targets for the treatment of HIV. The researchers found that these genes are selectively activated in response to type 1 interferon, a drug once used to treat hepatitis C.
A UC Riverside-led study found that adults' willingness to get HIV tested is influenced by factors such as stigma, education, provider recommendations, risk perceptions, and cost. The study also highlighted the need for targeted interventions to reach older adults and Hispanics, who are disproportionately affected by HIV in the US.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory used computer simulations to accurately predict HIV transmission patterns and track the disease's spread. The study found that genetic signatures can be used to determine the origin and time frame of an infection, allowing for targeted prevention campaigns.
A research group led by Professor Andrei Kozlov has identified a key genetic bottleneck effect that could help design an HIV vaccine. By analyzing blood samples from injecting drug users with early stages of HIV infection, scientists discovered that all viruses share a common ancestor.
The RIVER study tested a 'kick and kill' approach to target HIV reservoirs, forcing the virus out of hiding and killing it. Despite initial findings that the therapy didn't add up to a potential cure, researchers say the trial paves the way for testing different combinations to tackle persistent HIV in patients on antiretroviral treatm...
Researchers at NIAID developed a 3D model of the 1918 H1 pandemic influenza virus using cryo-electron microscopy. The study found that VLPs are mostly composed of hemagglutinin proteins, influencing vaccine efficacy.