New research shows that a diagnostic test for HIV infection using saliva rather than drawing blood is just as accurate. The findings suggest that the saliva test could be broadly used for testing, without requiring individuals to go to public health clinics. A saliva test used to diagnose the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is comparable… [Continue Reading]
Discovery of Viral Protein Structure Helps Researchers Developing an HIV Antibody
December 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
One reason why the immune system fails to fight off HIV infection is because the virus coats itself with sugar molecules, preventing our antibodies from recognizing it. Researchers have now determined how these sugars are structurally linked to viral proteins, and have discovered an antibody that can bind and recognize the sugar/protein combination. HIV is… [Continue Reading]
Preliminary Success in HIV Vaccine Clinical Trials
September 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A newly developed HIV vaccine is in the middle of clinical trials, and early results show that it is effective, researchers report. The vaccine is highly effective at generating an immune response, and will now be subjected to Phase II and III trials to further understand the vaccine’s activity. Phase I clinical trials developed by… [Continue Reading]
New Research Shows How HIV Infects Immune Cells
August 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
HIV infects a certain class of immune cells, called T cells during the infection process. It is the eventual destruction of these cells that lead to the symptoms of AIDS. New research has pinpointed the molecular basis behind how the virus hijacks these cells. A George Mason University researcher team has revealed the specific process… [Continue Reading]
Protein Engineered that Blocks HIV’s Ability to Infect Cells
August 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A group of researchers trying to devise ways to fight HIV has developed a synthetic protein that prevents the virus’ ability to infect cells. The work, published in one of the top research journals in science, could one day lead to preventative treatments. If one is good, two can sometimes be better. Researchers at the… [Continue Reading]
HIV Breaks Down Blood-Brain Barrier: Linked to Neurological Symptoms
July 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
That HIV infection frequently causes neurological symptoms is well-established, yet why many patients experience memory loss and other deficits remains unknown. New research is helping what causes these symptoms: a new study shows that when the virus infects a subset of brain cells, the barrier between the brain and the circulatory system, which normally prevents… [Continue Reading]
Scientists Determine How to Reactive Immune Cells Shut Down By Chronic HIV Exposure
June 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A certain type of immune cell, after chronic exposure to HIV, eventually shuts down. Scientists have now determined that blocking an inhibitory signal can jump start the cells again. After treatment, the cells showed more normal immune functions, again becoming capable of reacting to viral infection. Scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious… [Continue Reading]
New Approach to HIV Vaccine Encouraging
May 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The spread of HIV remains a worldwide issue, and many scientists are working on developing an effective vaccine. New research has yielded promising results for a vaccine designed with a slightly different approach than previous attempts. The HIV epidemic is the largest in the world and represents one of the most serious public health problems,… [Continue Reading]