HIV Research
HIV Requires Early Treatment
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
HIV Requires Early Treatment: B Cells Are the Key in Infected Subjects
It was very clear early on in HIV research that the earlier treatment for the disease begins, the better a person will respond to the antiretroviral medications. However, the exact reason for this has eluded researchers. A recent study of the blood of nearly 100 treated and untreated HIV-infected volunteers has provided a possible explanation as to why HIV requires early treatment. The study underscored the need to begin treatment as close to viral exposure as possible, as it not only means saved lives but it also can ensure a healthier and better quality of life for those living with HIV.
B cells are immune system cells that produce antibodies to viruses like HIV. However, in the above mentioned study, some previously unknown characteristics of B cells were discovered. The researchers found that the antibodies the B cells produced in infected but untreated people were abnormal. These B cells were more activated, more unstable and unresponsive to further stimulation as compared to normal B cells. This may explain why HIV antibodies naturally produced in the body are unable to clear the infection.
The research further discovered that those who were HIV infected—but had undergone early antiretroviral treatment—had B cell responses that were dramatically different from those who had not received treatment. In the treated patients their antibodies were normal, although there were less of them than in the untreated volunteers. The treated patient’s antibodies were also stronger and more effective on the HIV cells. This resulted in a lower amount of virus in the blood, known as a viral load. It also meant a low level of immune activation, which results in a stronger and healthier immune system. All of this underscores the fact that HIV requires early treatment. Antiretroviral medication, when prescribed during the early stages of the infection can stabilize the mutation of any cells – T cells or B cells. This means that the infected person’s natural immune defenses will be robust and better able to defend against HIV for the long run.
Soy Sauce And HIV
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
Soy Sauce and HIV: Japanese Condiment Sheds New Light
Antiretroviral drug therapies are the key treatments used against HIV today. Such therapies have proven effective and have turned the tide on the virus increasing both life expectancy and quality of life. Yet, it is common for patients suffering from HIV to develop a resistance to some of the therapies of choice. This can be a real problem as substitute therapies are usually harsher and not quite as effective. Soy sauce and HIV, four words that we wouldn’t usually see in combination, may present a solution.
A few years ago, a Japanese company was looking to enhance the flavor of their soy sauce. The discovery of a new compound led to further investigation. It turns out that what they had found was a compound similar to what is currently used in antiviral therapies. The difference with this compound and typical therapies for HIV is in how the compound works against HIV and, especially, in its ability to escape detection from the virus.
The new compound, EFdA, is a nucleoside analogue that tricks the virus and halts reproduction. Compounds such as the ones used in treatment look like the building blocks used by HIV to replicate and spread. The imposter compounds, however, thwart this process thus stunting the spread of the virus. Benefits of EFdA include its ability to remain unnoticed by the virus. Unlike presently used molecules, HIV has not been able to resist their attacks.
Ongoing research continues to show good results. The complexity of its structure is currently the focus of study. There is a sort of ‘key’ that unlocks the compound and sets it off to do its job. Figuring out how the compound is structured will help researchers unlock its potential and put it to use. It is hoped that this will spawn newer, more effective treatments that can last for years without the virus developing resistance. Soy sauce and HIV, who would have known?
HIV to Treat HIV
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
HIV To Treat HIV: HIV ‘Cut and Paste’
Researchers recently applied the idea of ‘cut and paste’ to something completely different than word processing on their computers: the treatment of HIV. Of course, most of us use ‘cut-and-paste’ on a regular basis, whether for emails, documents, or filling in information. Certainly, it is a function that comes in handy. However, this cutting-edge technique could mean really big changes on the HIV battlefield. What we are talking about is using HIV to treat HIV. Obviously, this is an exciting idea. But, how does this process work? Moreover, how will this be beneficial in HIV treatment?
Within our cells are proteins, which are used to perform a variety of tasks. One of these proteins acts like a pair of scissors. It cuts away at the genome, grabbing and separating bits of information. The cell can then use the information as needed. For scientists, these natural ‘scissors’ can be used to help patch up damaged cells. The damaged cells, specifically those infected with HIV, have genetic bits of information missing. In order to patch up these holes, the ‘scissors’ could cut out patches from the virus and then use this to patch up the damaged cells. In effect, parts of the HIV would be cut away to repair the damage done by the disease. This may sound far-fetched, but recent testing gives reason for optimism.
HIV has been studied for nearly three decades and it may seem ironic to use HIV to treat HIV. However, it is a promising point of attack in the fight against HIV and AIDS, especially as this therapy looks particularly sound in the area of strengthening the immune system. Assisting the body to not only resist attack—but also to fend it off in such a manner—would be a big step in the fight against HIV. Should the cut and paste method prove successful, there may be other infections that could also be treated or prevented using similar methods.
HIV’s Ability to Disguise Itself
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
HIV’s Ability to Disguise Itself: Can a Vaccine Hit a Moving Target?
The quest to eradicate HIV is proving to be an extremely difficult. One of the reasons for this is due to HIV’s ability to disguise itself. It is like a shifting and ever-changing target that the immune system finds impossible to keep up with. Determining how best to neutralize and beat the infection, and to solve this part of the puzzle, has been the subject of much debate and study. One recent bit of information could help move the process along and, perhaps, could even result in an effective vaccine.
Antibodies are specially designed to attack intruders that invade the body. They do this, and remarkably well, by attaching themselves to the invader. Thankfully, there are known antibodies that can neutralize HIV. The problem is, once danger is detected, the virus is able to shift the location where antibodies attach to HIV. By doing this, the virus evades the host’s immune response and continues to infect nearby cells.
One research team did find that there are sites on the virus that do not shift as readily. Another encouraging finding is the most effective antibodies latch onto these sites and destroy the virus before it has an opportunity to escape. Even when the site shifts, some of the antibodies were able to follow the shift and enter at the new site. This important information could not only lead to new vaccines against HIV but to other difficult viral infections, as well.
Further research is needed to learn how best to target the virus. Moreover, additional study of these antibodies, and how to increase their number within the body, will aid in developing new vaccines and treatments. Further investigation into HIV’s ability to disguise itself will help in identifying the best sites on the virus for antibodies to access. In the meantime, researchers are optimistic that this new information has put them on the path to winning the war against HIV.
HIV Adaptation
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
HIV Adaptation: Three Decades On
Ongoing studies of how new treatments are performing against HIV are a mainstay of research. Ideas and theories for new treatments and vaccines are continually being studied and debated. Now, three decades since HIV broke onto the scene in North America, one group decided it was time for an investigation into two different areas: First, to find out just how the virus adapts to humans and, second, to see if the virus has changed since it was first introduced. The idea required extensive research on HIV adaptation and it also involved considerable back tracking. However, the effort paid off.
How HIV responds to current drug therapies has been well documented. However, exactly how HIV adapts to its host, humans, has never before been looked into. Going back nearly thirty years, and retrieving important molecular information on HIV, was a tedious task. Nevertheless, in spite of the challenges, the team found what they needed. Based on these findings, it is clear that HIV has adapted over the last couple of decades to humans. What was the process involved? And, what does it mean for us today?
First, the virus infects the host and begins to multiply. This process does not go unnoticed by the host’s immune system, which then immediately dispatches help. This internal fight helps keep the virus in check. Current drug therapies help too. After years of fighting, the immune system can tire out. As time passes, and the virus becomes accustomed to its host, it also begins to adapt to the onslaught brought on by the immune system. After enough time passes, the invader can become quite adept at evading the immune attacks. This is very bad for the host, who has lost the ability to naturally protect itself from the virus.
HIV adaptation has begun, but at this point, the adaptation has been minor. In fact, these changes are so minimal that researchers are confident that current therapies, and vaccines in development, will still be effective. Knowing that the virus can adapt and change is important, as researchers will remain alert to this and adjust research and strategies accordingly.
