Science Daily - HIV/AIDS

ScienceDaily: HIV and AIDS News

Novel sensing mechanism discovered in dendritic cells to increase immune response to HIV
Dendritic cells are the grand sentinels of the immune system, standing guard 24/7 to detect foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, and bring news of the invasion to other immune cells to marshal an attack. These sentinels, however, nearly always fail to respond adequately to HIV, the virus causing AIDS. Now scientists have discovered a sensor in dendritic cells that recognizes HIV, spurring a more potent immune response by the sentinels to the virus.
Education more important than knowledge in stopping spread of HIV in Africa, study finds
Simply teaching people the facts about how to protect themselves from HIV may not be enough to prevent the spread of AIDS in Africa, a new study suggests. Researchers found that villagers in Ghana who had higher levels of cognitive and decision-making abilities -- not just the most knowledge -- were the ones who were most likely to take steps to protect themselves from HIV infection.
Nevirapine use may be beneficial for some HIV-infected children who have achieved viral suppression
HIV-infected children in South Africa who were exposed to the drug nevirapine at birth (used to help prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission) and then received a protease inhibitor (PI) for viral suppression achieved lower rates of viremia (virus in the blood stream) if they were switched to nevirapine, compared to children who continued on the PI-based regimen, according to a new study.
Sexual health: Computer-based approaches increase knowledge, study finds
Interactive computer packages are effective in improving knowledge about sexual health, according to a new study. Computer-based approaches could help to tackle problems such as sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy.
Are white homosexual men still taking too many HIV risks?
Risky sexual behavior among members of a subset of the gay community is still adding to the spread of HIV. New research has found that young white homosexual men have an important contribution in the local spread of HIV.
How HIV takes control of cell division: Role of the Vpr protein in HIV infection and AIDS
New research examines the role of the Vpr protein in HIV infection and AIDS.
Revaccination could benefit HIV-infected children, review suggests
Researchers reviewed published data to assess HIV-infected children's immune responses to vaccines and found that most children treated with HAART remained susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases, but responded well to revaccination.
Hospitals face legal dilemma if they test incapacitated patients after needle accidents
Anaesthetists are calling for greater clarity on the legal implications of testing incapacitated patients for blood-borne viruses (BBV), after a survey found that this is often done following staff needlestick injuries, in possible breach of legislation. An anonymous survey of 99 intensive care units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland showed that 62 had recorded an incident where a member of staff had suffered a needlestick injury while caring for an incapacitated patient in the last 12 months.
Vitamin A increases the presence of HIV in breast milk, studies suggest
Vitamin A and beta-carotene supplements are unsafe for HIV-positive women who breastfeed because they may boost the excretion of HIV in breast milk -- thereby increasing the chances of transmitting the infection to the child, a pair of new studies suggest.
Antiviral gene helps suppress jumping of AIDS viruses between host species
The human AIDS viruses originated as viruses of apes and monkeys, respectively, yet little is known about whether or how these invaders adapted to the new genetic "environment" encountered in humans. One group of host genes, collectively known as restriction factors, is thought to influence the ability of such viruses to move between different primate species.
Researchers zero in on protein that destroys HIV
Using a $225,000 microscope and the wisdom of Yogi Berra, researchers have identified the key components of a protein called TRIM5a that destroys HIV in rhesus monkeys. The finding could lead to new TRIM5a-based treatments that would knock out HIV in humans.
Potential HIV drug keeps virus out of cells
Following up a pioneering 2007 proof-of-concept study, biochemists have developed a promising new anti-HIV drug candidate, PIE12-trimer, that prevents HIV from attacking human cells.