Article
Immunology
Melinda S. Suchard, Neil Martinson, Susan Malfeld, Debbie de Assis Rosa, Romel D. Mackelprang, Jairam Lingappa, Xuanlin Hou, Helen Rees, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Hadassa Goldfein, Heena Ranchod, David Coetzee, Kennedy Otwombe, Lynn Morris, Caroline T. Tiemessen, Dana M. Savulescu
Summary: This study found that the presence of HLA antibodies in highly exposed persistently seronegative individuals was associated with reduced odds of HIV acquisition. These findings may have important implications for the development of HIV vaccines and treatment strategies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Helene Riazuelo
Summary: This study explores the psychological experience of individuals with a partner suffering from chronic kidney disease. Findings show that while some couples exhibit considerable resourcefulness, the impact of the disease can lead to periods of despair and fatigue. The disruption caused by the illness in daily family life can be traumatic, calling for increased psychological care and support for both patients and their partners.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Poonam Suryawanshi, Rajani Bagul, Ashwini Shete, Madhuri Thakar
Summary: The study demonstrated that HIV-1 Env could serve as a latency reversal agent (LRA), and only ADCC mediating antibodies were able to kill the reactivated HIV reservoirs. The findings have implications in designing antibody-mediated immunotherapy for eradicating latent HIV reservoir.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Beibei Zhang, Hongyan Mao, Hongjuan Zhu, Jingxia Guo, Paul Zhou, Zhenghai Ma
Summary: The use of recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) vector-based vaccines in the study of immune responses against HIV-induced AIDS showed that these vaccines can generate stronger and broader immune responses, providing better protection against different HIV antigens.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xin Zhang, Axin Li, Ting Li, Zeren Shou, Yibin Li, Xinman Qiao, Ruijing Zhou, Xuelin Zhong, Songshan Li, Lin Li
Summary: HSV-2 is a common pathogen that causes genital herpes worldwide. The lack of an effective vaccine prompts the development of anti-HSV-2 agents. Q308, a small-molecule compound initially developed as an anti-HIV-1 agent, shows strong inhibitory activity against HSV-2 and acyclovir-resistant HSV-2 strains. It not only reduces viral titers in tissue but also ameliorates the cytokine storm and pathohistological changes caused by HSV-2 infection in mice, making it a promising lead compound for the development of new anti-HSV-2/HIV-1 therapies, especially against acyclovir-resistant strains.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Carlos Blazquez-Bondia, Mariona Parera, Francesc Catala-Moll, Maria Casadella, Aleix Elizalde-Torrent, Meritxell Aguilo, Jordi Espadaler-Mazo, Jose Ramon Santos, Roger Paredes, Marc Noguera-Julian
Summary: In a clinical trial, a synbiotic intervention was found to have a slight positive effect on immune reconstitution in HIV-1 infected immuno-discordant patients, with a small increase in CD4/CD8 ratio and minor reductions in sCD14. However, a probiotic intervention alone did not show any impact on immune parameters or faecal microbiome composition.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Haisheng Wu, Qiuyan Yu, Liping Ma, Lin Zhang, Yuliang Chen, Pi Guo, Peng Xu
Summary: This study evaluated the health economics of antiretroviral-based strategies for HIV-serodiscordant couples in China, finding that antiretroviral interventions were more likely to provide clinical benefits but were difficult to improve quality of life. The current strategy of early ART was found to be the most cost-effective option.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christian Gaebler, Lilian Nogueira, Elina Stoffel, Thiago Y. Oliveira, Gaelle Breton, Katrina G. Millard, Martina Turroja, Allison Butler, Victor Ramos, Michael S. Seaman, Jacqueline D. Reeves, Christos J. Petroupoulos, Irina Shimeliovich, Anna Gazumyan, Caroline S. Jiang, Nikolaus Jilg, Johannes F. Scheid, Rajesh Gandhi, Bruce D. Walker, Michael C. Sneller, Anthony Fauci, Tae-Wook Chun, Marina Caskey, Michel C. Nussenzweig
Summary: Immunotherapy with anti-HIV-1 antibodies has the potential to suppress infection and increase the rate of clearance of infected cells. A clinical study showed that 76% of HIV-infected individuals who received a combination of antibodies maintained virologic suppression for at least 20 weeks without antiretroviral therapy. The administration of antibodies affected the HIV-1 reservoir, but further research is needed to define the precise effect of antibody immunotherapy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Rozina, Andrey Anisenko, Tatiana Kikhai, Maria Silkina, Marina Gottikh
Summary: RNA viruses utilize cellular proteins to facilitate replication and interact with cell components. This review summarizes and systematizes known cellular partners of HIV-1 integrase and their role in the HIV-1 life cycle.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Stephanie L. Sansom, Katherine A. Hicks, Justin Carrico, Evin U. Jacobson, Ram K. Shrestha, Timothy A. Green, David W. Purcell
Summary: The study suggests that optimal allocations of public and private funds can lead to substantial reductions in new HIV cases. Prompt diagnosis and sustained viral suppression are crucial in achieving a decrease in infection rates.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yi Li, Fenglin Zhang, Zhengdong Dou, Wei Zheng, Ping Ai, Ming Bao, Congming Han, Kexia Xiang, Qirong Qin
Summary: This study investigated sexual behaviors among HIV-discordant heterosexual couples and found that couples with longer marital duration were more inclined to use condoms, while lack of support, remarriage, and being HIV-positive were associated with less condom use. In addition, HIV-positive individuals were more likely to engage in extramarital sex.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kristi E. Gamarel, Ayla Durst, David G. Zelaya, Jacob J. van den Berg, Timothy Souza, Mallory O. Johnson, Elwin Wu, Peter M. Monti, Christopher W. Kahler
Summary: This study presents the development and refinement of a three-session couples-based motivational intervention (ReACH2Gether) to address unhealthy alcohol use among a sample of 17 sexual minority men living with HIV and their partners living in the United States. Results indicate that the ReACH2Gether intervention was acceptable and there were no reports of intimate partner violence or adverse events.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Neeti Agarwal, Dinakar Iyer, Pradip Saha, Aaron R. Cox, Yan Xia, Netanya S. Utay, Anoma Somasundaram, Ulrich Schubert, Jordan E. Lake, Sean M. Hartig, Ashok Balasubramanyam
Summary: By studying the impact of the HIV accessory protein Vpr on adipose tissue function, it was found that Vpr mice exhibit metabolic inflexibility and a marked inability to regulate body temperature. This suggests that Vpr may play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders in persons living with HIV.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alina Kirichenko, Dmitry Kireev, Alexey Lopatukhin, Anastasia Murzakova, Ilya Lapovok, Daria Saleeva, Natalya Ladnaya, Agigat Gadirova, Sabina Ibrahimova, Aygun Safarova, Trdat Grigoryan, Arshak Petrosyan, Tatevik Sarhatyan, Elena Gasich, Anastasia Bunas, Iryna Glinskaya, Pavel Yurovsky, Rustam Nurov, Alijon Soliev, Laylo Ismatova, Erkin Musabaev, Evgeniya Kazakova, Visola Rakhimova, Vadim Pokrovsky
Summary: This study aimed to monitor circulating HIV-1 genetic variants, assess the prevalence of HIV DR among patients starting antiretroviral therapy, and reveal potential transmission clusters among patients in six EECA countries.
Article
Virology
Zuopeng Zhang, Sen Yuan, Shuting Xu, Deyin Guo, Lang Chen, Wei Hou, Min Wang
Summary: Our study successfully designed and constructed a series of chimeric E3 ligases, including a functional chimera 146LI, which was further optimized to generate 146LIS that can induce Lys48-specific polyubiquitination and reduce the protein level of HIV-1 NL4-3 integrase more effectively in cells. Lymphocyte cells with 146LIS knock-in generated by CRISPR/Cas-mediated homology-directed repair showed reduced integration of HIV-1 NL4-3 viral DNAs and viral replication without obvious cell cytotoxicity, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for inhibiting HIV infection.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Minja Milovanovic, Rachel Jewkes, Mokgadi Matuludi, Kristin Dunkle, Khuthadzo Hlongwane, Lieve Vanleeuw, Nevilene Slingers, Maya Jaffer, Venice Mbowane, Fareed Abdullah, Kennedy Otwombe, Glenda Gray, Jenny Coetzee
Summary: Adolescent girls and young women engaging in sex-for-money transactions in South Africa are at high risk of HIV infection. Economic factors play a significant role in their entry into sex work. A survey conducted in 2019 found that young female sex workers had a higher HIV prevalence rate compared to older sex workers, and they were less likely to be aware of their HIV status, receive antiretroviral therapy, and achieve viral suppression. This highlights the need for tailored services and interventions to improve access to HIV prevention and treatment for young sex workers.
AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Matthew F. Chersich, Fiona Scorgie, Veronique Filippi, Stanley Luchters
Summary: Anatomical, physiologic, and socio-cultural changes during pregnancy and childbirth increase vulnerability to high ambient temperatures in women and newborns. This can lead to various clinical consequences. To adapt to this situation, behavioral changes, health system interventions, building modifications, and climate financing are proposed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Janan J. Dietrich, Kim Jonas, Mireille Cheyip, Tracy McClinton Appollis, Oluwatobi Ariyo, Roxanne Beauclair, Carl Lombard, Glenda E. Gray, Catherine Mathews
Summary: Social support and resilience may increase knowledge of HIV-positive status and ART exposure among South African AGYW.
Article
Sport Sciences
Shirley Collie, Robin Terence Saggers, Rossella Bandini, Lizelle Steenkamp, Jared Champion, Glenda Gray, Linda-Gail Bekker, Ameena Goga, Nigel Garrett, Jon Patricios
Summary: Regular physical activity is associated with improved vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 hospitalization, with higher levels of physical activity associated with greater vaccine effectiveness.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Aimee R. Kreimer, Tania Cernuschi, Helen Rees, Julia M. L. Brotherton, Carolina Porras, John Schiller
Summary: Many countries burdened by cervical cancer have not provided HPV vaccines to most eligible girls, resulting in limited access to screening and treatment. However, the increased vaccine supply and single-dose recommendation provide an opportunity to expand vaccination and prevent millions of projected cervical cancer cases.
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2023)
Review
Family Studies
Caroline Gotsche, Petrus S. Steyn, Manjulaa Narasimhan, Michelle Rodolph, Rachel Baggaley, James N. Kiarie
Summary: This review aimed to gather evidence of integrating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention into family planning services. The use of a comprehensive package, combining PrEP and contraception, can reduce the number of new HIV infections and unintended pregnancies for at-risk women and adolescent girls. The study identified barriers and facilitators at the client-level and provider-level for integrating services.
BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Family Studies
Rachel Jewkes, Minja Milovanovic, Kennedy Otwombe, Khuthadzo Hlongwane, Naomi Hill, Venice Mbowane, Glenda Gray, Jenny Coetzee
Summary: To understand the stigma surrounding sex work and its drivers, an analysis was conducted on the South African National Sex Worker Survey using structural equation modelling. The study found that external/enacted and internalized stigma were prevalent among sex workers. Experiences of violence, external/enacted stigma, and food insecurity were major drivers of internalized stigma, impacting mental health. However, perceiving sex work positively provided significant protection against stigma, offering opportunities to change the narrative. Reducing exposure to stigmatizing behavior, ensuring better protection against violence, and ending the criminalization of sex work are crucial for improving the health and well-being of sex workers through specific programs.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Roanne Keeton, Marius B. Tincho, Akiko Suzuki, Ntombi Benede, Amkele Ngomti, Richard Baguma, Masego Chauke, Mathilda Mennen, Sango Skelem, Marguerite Adriaanse, Alba Grifoni, Daniela Weiskopf, Alessandro Sette, Linda -Gail Bekker, Glenda Gray, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi, Wendy A. Burgers, Catherine Riou
Summary: This study compares the presence and frequency of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell and IgG antibody responses in 190 individuals with different SARS-CoV-2 exposure histories. The results show that repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 increases the number of T cells, but has less impact on the frequency of circulating SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells. Furthermore, the number and nature of exposures have a greater effect on the immune response, with hybrid immunity displaying a higher polyfunctional potential in spike-specific CD4 T cells compared to vaccination only. These findings are important for developing optimal vaccine strategies to enhance immune responses as the pandemic progresses.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Linhui Hao, Tien-Ying Hsiang, Ronit R. Dalmat, Renee Ireton, Jennifer F. Morton, Caleb Stokes, Jason Netland, Malika Hale, Chris Thouvenel, Anna Wald, Nicholas M. Franko, Kristen Huden, Helen Y. Chu, Alex Sigal, Alex L. Greninger, Sasha Tilles, Lynn K. Barrett, Wesley C. Van Voorhis, Jennifer Munt, Trevor Scobey, Ralph S. Baric, David J. Rawlings, Marion Pepper, Paul K. Drain, Michael Gale
Summary: New variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to emerge and evade immunity. Convalescence from the ancestral virus provides limited protection against variants. Vaccination enhances immunity against viral variants, but the protection is weaker against Omicron BA.1, and a three-dose vaccine regimen provides significantly better protection against it compared to a two-dose.
Article
Immunology
Kirthana Sharma, Dorothy A. Machalek, Zheng Q. Toh, Demisew Amenu, Mazvita Muchengeti, Andrew K. Ndlovu, Alex Mremi, Bariki Mchome, Andrew J. Vallely, Lynette Denny, Helen Rees, Suzanne M. Garland
Summary: Cervical cancer is a major concern for women globally, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries and among women with HIV. Eliminating cervical cancer among women with HIV requires addressing both biological and social factors. There is a lack of research and evidence on cervical cancer elimination in this population, particularly in terms of HPV vaccination and its long-term effectiveness. Social and structural factors such as poverty, stigma, and gender discrimination pose challenges to the elimination strategy for cervical cancer.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Daniel Corey, Francoise Haeseleer, Joe Hou, Lawrence Corey
Summary: Adoptive therapy using genetically engineered T cells shows promise in treating infectious diseases in immunocompromised individuals. In this study, chimeric engulfment receptor (CER) T cells designed to recognize phosphatidylserine (PS)-expressing cells successfully eliminated SIV-infected cells. The introduction of innate immune functions into T cells enhances the elimination of SIV-infected cells, and further in vivo studies are needed to evaluate their effectiveness.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Deborah Donnell, Fei Gao, James P. Hughes, Brett Hanscom, Lawrence Corey, Myron S. Cohen, Srilatha Edupuganti, Nyaradzo Mgodi, Helen Rees, Jared M. Baeten, Glenda Gray, Linda-Gail Bekker, Mina Hosseinipour, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe
Summary: This study used counterfactual placebo comparisons using other data sources to evaluate the efficacy of antiretroviral agents for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. The findings showed that injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) and daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection compared to no intervention, and the efficacy of FTC/TDF against counterfactual placebo was consistent with previous placebo-controlled trials.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Adeniyi Kolade Aderoba, Rita Kabra, James Njogu Kiarie
Summary: This study aims to describe and assess the evidence on implementation strategies, facilitators, and barriers to scaling up and sustaining task-sharing in family planning. This is important for generating recommendations to support interventions in scaling up and sustaining task-sharing in family planning.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Adeniyi Kolade Aderoba, Petrus Schoken Steyn, James Njogu Kiarie
Summary: This article describes the implementation strategies for scaling up self-administered DMPA-SC and the barriers, facilitators, and outcomes of these programs. The review found that various interventions (such as task-sharing, engaged leadership, policy support, etc.) can promote the scaling up of DMPA-SC, but there is limited evidence on the outcomes of scaling up.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Purity Njagi, Wim Groot, Jelena Arsenijevic, Silke Dyer, Gitau Mburu, James Kiarie
Summary: The direct costs of assisted reproductive technology (ART) are unaffordable for patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The costs exceed the annual average income and GDP per capita, raising concerns about the accessibility and financial burden for those in need.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2023)