Broadly Neutralizing HIV Antibodies
11 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
How Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies May Change the World for HIV
One of the things that make it so difficult for scientists to discover a vaccine or a cure for HIV is that the virus rapidly mutates. There are many strains of HIV around the world, mainly due to the virus’s propensity to mutate several times within a person in an effort to fight against treatment that is tailored to that individual. Broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies, however, can take on various versions of the retrovirus that are found across the globe.
Much of the data comes from the body of one woman in Africa whose immune system started creating these antibodies spontaneously when she became infected with the virus. Researchers were able to identify these antibodies within the woman, extract them, and proceeded to create clones of the antibodies in a laboratory. After conducting multiple experiments, the scientists postulated these so-called broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies could be the future of HIV research.
One thing researchers looked for is how the antibodies developed. They believe that this may be the key to unlocking a vaccine for HIV. Most people who become infected with the virus do produce antibodies, and thus able to be tested as positive, but do not create broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies and cannot effectively combat HIV in its multiple forms as the virus evades treatment within the body.
Animal studies are the next step for these broad-spectrum antibodies. Once they are deemed safe and effective, human trials follow. Scientists are in the process of cloning the antibodies to ensure supply lasts through the various levels of testing, and hopefully reach one step closer to a HIV vaccine, leading to disease eradication one day—just like smallpox.
HIV Testing Through Social Media
11 years ago
How to Get High Risk Men to Submit to HIV Testing: Use Social Media
Social media has become very prevalent in modern society, so why not put it to good use? A recent study showed that one such good use could be to help people exhibit more medically safe behaviors. In this particular study, the focus was on men who are at high risk to contract HIV.
Researchers got more than 100 sexually active homosexual males to participate in the study. They used ads on social networking sites to recruit these volunteers. The men were divided into two groups. Half of the men were placed in an HIV intervention group on Facebook. The other half was placed into a group that discussed health in general. Within each group, designated peer leaders chatted with members of the group, sent them direct messages, and posted on their Facebook walls.
The HIV group discussed matters that directly related to the disease, such as the importance of getting tested, and how to reduce risk by altering behaviors. The group that focused on general health stuck to topics such as nutrition and exercise. The study continued for 12 weeks, and despite the fact that there was nothing binding the men to keep up with the groups, the men as a group did and many participated regularly throughout the study.
At the beginning and end of the study, each participant was encourage to perform an at-home self-test for HIV as well as fill out a survey dealing with various topics related to the disease. What were the results?
The men in the HIV group proved more than twice as likely to take the HIV test. Even more astounding was that men in the HIV group were over 4 times more likely to take the survey. Those in the HIV group were also more active in chats and other group activities.
Clearly this study showed that social media can have benefits in affecting the behavior of those at risk for HIV, encouraging them both to take preventative measures and to be tested more regularly.
Dangerous Efavirenz Side Effects
11 years ago
by ADMIN
in Experimental Treatment
An HIV Drug That Produces Psychoactive Side Effects Is Reportedly Being Used Recreationally
If it takes you nine and a half minutes to read this article, then by the time you are finished, another American will have been infected with HIV. Not only is the disease still prevalent in the US, but it is continuing to spread. Fortunately, there are effective medications on the market that can be used to control the disease and increase the life span of those who are affected. One such medication is Efavirenz.
The drug is often used in combination with other HIV treatments, although it is occasionally prescribed alone. It is one of the more common treatments as it is considered one of the most effective. Unfortunately, it also has one of the strangest and most inexplicable side effects. The drug carries a risk of neurological side effects including anxiety, depression, aggressive behavior, insomnia, and night terrors. Other effects can include delusions and hallucinations. Those are the symptoms that have resulted in reports of recreational use.
Here are some reasons that this is a big deal. No one can explain why this drug causes any of these effects. That’s a warning flag in itself. Second, the recreational use of this drug could potentially result in the development of a new strain of HIV that is resistant to what is presently one of the best treatment options. These two factors make it vital, both for the user’s own good and for the good of the medical community, for people to avoid taking Efavirenz unless it is prescribed by a doctor.
Additional research is ongoing in the hopes that the drug can be modified to reduce the risk of symptoms for HIV patients that are using this treatment. It is also hoped that by eliminating the side effects, recreational use of the drug will be discontinued.
HIV Treatment Delay in Teens
11 years ago
by ADMIN
in Experimental Treatment
HIV Positive Teens Tend to Wait Too Long Before Seeking Treatment
HIV treatments have come a long way. They are in part responsible for the improved quality and length of life for patients that are HIV positive. There is some concern, however, for the younger generation. According to one study in particular, teens and young adults seem to delay treatment and care for HIV. Many do nothing at all until they are in the advanced stages of disease. While there may be a variety of reasons for this, there may be ways to help improve the situation. Here is what the researchers found.
An eight year project tracked 1,500 young people to see how they responded to being HIV-positive. They ranged in age from 12 to 24. The study showed that almost half of the participants did not seek treatment until the disease progressed into later stages. This did not come as good news. Early treatment is key to keeping secondary disease (such as cardiac disease, kidney disease, and other conditions) at bay. Beginning treatment early is another way to improve quality of life and even lengthen life expectancy.
One way to observe the advancement of HIV is through a blood test. By tracking the number of a certain type of protein known as CD4, doctors can determine how far along the HIV has progressed. Treatment is usually started when the CD4 count begins to drop. Once the number drops low enough, the disease is considered AIDS. Unfortunately, young people have been waiting long periods of time to be tested and start antiviral therapy.
Exactly why teens wait so long has not yet been studied. Researchers assume that there may be several reasons for the delay; however, they hope that through increased awareness, doctors will start screening all young patients for HIV. Making this a part of a regular checkup may make it easier for young ones to seek treatment earlier.
New Research On HIV Binding Sites
11 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Vaccination
Further Advances in the Search For an HIV Vaccine
HIV is a remarkable organism. While it may be microscopic, the activities that go on are quite impressive. At the very least, there is a lot of work that occurs in the virus’ life. It is the study of some of these functions which has scientists hopeful that a new vaccine may be just around the corner. One study in particular has caught some special attention.
The HIV itself looks like a spiny or spiky ball. At the ends of these spikes are three proteins. These are special proteins and they are called gp120. The way they are arranged on their spikes resembles the petals of a flower, in that they can open and close. The gp120 molecules have specific functions or jobs to do. One of those includes helping the virus bind to other cells. The proteins can also stay closed and hide these binding areas. Think of an airplane coming in to land on a landing strip. If the strip is concealed, the plane will fly right over it. HIV works in a similar way when it comes to the immune system. The immune system sends out antibodies in an attempt to fight the infection. These antibodies hunt the HIV and look to destroy it; however, the gp120 can keep the HIV safe by concealing the landing space or binding area. If the antibodies cannot bind with the virus, infection occurs.
Each of the proteins on the HIV is equipped with tiny molecules called amino acids. Scientists have discovered that by altering certain levels, the amino acids can either open or close the gp120 proteins. This is good news, as by controlling this process, scientists can help the immune system find and kill the virus before infection takes place. This means that if further testing is successful, effective HIV vaccines may be appearing in the near future.
