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]
Research Clarifies How HIV Interacts With Immune System
May 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Understanding how the virus evades the immune system after infection with HIV has major implications for preventing the disease. New research has examined how antibodies and the virus interact, which may help scientists develop an effective vaccine in the future. Latest insights into immunity to HIV could help to develop a vaccine to build antibodies’… [Continue Reading]
Researcher Proposes Transmissable Particles to Fight HIV Spread
March 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A controversial new approach to halting the spread of HIV has been proposed. Scientists have suggested producing particles that interfere with the the infection process, that can be passed from person-to-person along with the virus. Together with other therapies, the approach could help hard-to-reach populations that are strongly affected by HIV. Biochemist Leor Weinberger and… [Continue Reading]
Protein Discovered in AIDS-Resistant Patients that Fights Viral Replication
March 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Rare individuals have an immune system that can control HIV infection without developing AIDS. Scientists are studying this group, whose biology may give major insights into how the virus can be managed in others. New research suggests one specific protein is at higher levels in AIDS-resistant individuals, and it helps block the virus from replicating…. [Continue Reading]
New Interactions Between HIV and Infected Cells Discovered
March 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Understanding how HIV interacts with cells of the body after infection is essential to make progress in developing treatments to stop the disease. New research on the virus shows that it co-opts proteins of the infected cell in order to replicate and spread through the body. The findings could help scientists develop new drugs to… [Continue Reading]