Posts tagged HIV cure
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 Returns In Men Thought to Have Been Cured
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in Experimental Treatment
HIV Back for Two “Cured” Men
One of the brightest hopes for a cure to HIV has been dampened: Two men who had received a stem cell treatment thought to have cured them of the virus have seen it returning, the case dashing expectations that the stem cell treatment was a success.
While a stem cell transplant may not be a cure for the disease, it has been useful for experts who are considering the case. Hopeful researchers held their breath while both men received the experimental treatment in Boston and the disease seemed to disappear. The two men were also both afflicted with lymphoma, which is why they received the transplant. No sign of the disease remained after 8 months; many remained skeptical, and the men continued to be monitored to see what would happen. The first blow to the treatment came in August, when one of the two saw a reemergence of the disease. The other shoe then dropped just last November.
This cuts the number of cured HIV patients from four people down to just two. There was a man cured back in 2007 after receiving treatment for leukemia, followed by a baby cured in 2010, who was cured via strong antiretroviral treatments received just after birth. They are now the only two individuals to have the disease seemingly eradicated, with no resurgence after an extended period of time.
While many who receive treatment cease to have pathogens in their blood, the disease is well known for returning once therapy is stopped. Both of the men from Boston ceased treatments after the transplants; the first man had the disease return 12 weeks after stopping treatment, and the second man saw the condition return 32 weeks after discontinuing his.
As disappointing as the results are, this offers up more information on how HIV works. Research continues in order to find the reservoir that the disease hides in during treatment.
New Protein Could Be Breakthrough in HIV Prevention
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Prevention
The race to eradicate HIV and improve the vaccine has led to an exciting new development. Researchers within the last few weeks have published new findings regarding a protein and sugar molecule that has the potential to not only neutralize HIV, but that can connect to various strains of the virus as well.
The protein that was created mimics the outer layer of the HIV. The part of the layer that can bind to antibodies is the area researchers were targeting. This key part of the cell is where neutralizing the virus takes place. One of the factors that make the creation of this protein so important is that it may help scientists answer some of the most complex issues facing the prevention of HIV. For one thing, an antibody that can target multiple strains of the virus is hard to come by. Another problem is the response of the immune system: At times it is beneficial, but other responses can be negative and unwanted. Researchers are hoping that, with this protein, the immune system will be free to respond in a positive, beneficial way. The protein with the sugar molecule is better able to bond to the outer coat of the virus. It is hoped that broad-spectrum antibodies will be allowed to form. If this happens, the antibodies that can do the most neutralizing will have a better chance to complete their task.
Another benefit to the proteins is the potential to trigger a response from the white blood cells that produce antibodies. Should the antibodies produced by these B cells do what researchers are hoping, results could be disastrous for the virus. This aspect is what scientists are focusing on to develop an effective vaccine. Much more information is needed, as well as testing on animal subjects. This does not, however, negate the importance that this finding will have on the future of the battle against HIV.
Effective Prevention for HIV in Women
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in Experimental Treatment
The sad facts point to a rise in the number of women who are infected with HIV. When compared to men, the percentage is remarkably higher. Even with modern treatment and certain preventative measures and therapies, the number of female victims is climbing. The problem lies in the economic state that many patients find themselves in, and certain cultural differences can also inhibit the use of certain therapies and prevention. Many patients stop or are inconsistent with their treatment as a result.
A recent development could help slow the progress of the virus by preventing spread of infection. With this information in mind, researchers are thrilled with the effectiveness of an intravaginal ring that contains an antiretroviral pharmaceutical. In tests that have been conducted in primates, the success rate was 100% in preventing transmission of the virus.
Besides its success in the lab, there are other advantages that researchers are hoping will prove beneficial. For example, the ring can last up to 30 days. There is a lesser amount of the drug in the ring than would be needed if taken orally in pill form. This helps to reduce cost and hassle, a great benefit to the majority of women needing treatment. The amount of antiretroviral drug that it administers increases, rather than decreases, over that period of time. This is due to the type of polymer used to make the ring. It expands in fluid, thus administering the drug in adequate levels while inside the patient.
Human trials are underway and researchers and physicians are hopeful. In time, adding other drugs, such as those used in the prevention of STDs and even contraceptives is a possibility. This would further widen the ring’s appeal and encourage consistent usage. For now, researchers await the human trials with high expectations.
Cloaking Ability of HIV Could Lead to New Treatment
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in Experimental Treatment
Since the discovery of HIV, just how the virus managed to replicate undetected by the body was somewhat of a mystery—until now. Researchers have recently discovered a mechanism used to protect the whereabouts of the virus and which allows it to multiply undisturbed. How did this come about, and what does it mean for the future of HIV? Here is a brief look at what was uncovered.
A team of scientists has recently identified two molecules that aid HIV by allowing the virus to hide within the host cell. By isolating these molecules, researchers have learned that the virus remains hidden, as it were, from the immune system by using a cloaking ability. Under normal circumstances, when a virus invades a cell, the immune system is tripped and an anti-virus attack ensues. Until recently it was unknown exactly how HIV could sneak past this trigger. With the use of these molecules, HIV disguises itself within a healthy cell. While remaining undetected by the immune system, it begins to multiple and mutate. This has made it both difficult to target and treat. Now, researchers are hopeful that this new information can help bring about a new way to effectively treat and contain the infection.
There are many benefits to this new light. Allowing the body to identify and attack the HIV on its own could be groundbreaking. Also, current treatments can be made more effective. Mutations and resistance to drug therapies may also be reduced. Disabling the cloaking device may make it easier to target the infection before it spreads and could be useful in developing vaccines. Armed with this important information, scientists are now able to push ahead in a positive direction to reducing the devastating effects of HIV.
