Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adam Akullian, Alain Vandormael, Joel C. Miller, Anna Bershteyn, Edward Wenger, Diego Cuadros, Dickman Gareta, Till Barnighausen, Kobus Herbst, Frank Tanser
Summary: In a hyper-epidemic region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the median age of HIV seroconversion increased in both men and women, suggesting a changing demographic of HIV risk with a focus on younger age groups. The decline in HIV incidence was more pronounced in young men and women, while older individuals showed stable or even lagging declines in incidence. These results provide direct epidemiological evidence of the impact of large-scale treatment and prevention interventions on the age distribution of HIV incidence in sub-Saharan Africa.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Portia Hunidzarira, Elizabeth R. Brown, Z. Mike Chirenje, Sharon L. Hillier, Jeanne M. Marrazzo, Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Flavia M. Kiweewa, Jared M. Baeten
Summary: Sexually transmitted infection incidence did not reliably predict HIV-1 incidence at the population level among at-risk African women participating in 2 large PrEP trials.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
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
Jyothi K. Rajashekar, Jonathan Richard, Jagadish Beloor, Jeremie Prevost, Sai Priya Anand, Guillaume Beaudoin-Bussieres, Liang Shan, Dietmar Herndler-Brandstetter, Gabrielle Gendron-Lepage, Halima Medjahed, Catherine Bourassa, Fleur Gaudette, Irfan Ullah, Kelly Symmes, Andrew Peric, Emily Lindemuth, Frederic Bibollet-Ruche, Jun Park, Hung-Ching Chen, Daniel E. Kaufmann, Beatrice H. Hahn, Joseph Sodroski, Marzena Pazgier, Richard A. Flavell, Amos B. Smith, Andres Finzi, Priti Kumar
Summary: Research has shown that CD4mc can sensitize HIV-1-infected cells to ADCC by facilitating antibody recognition of epitopes on the viral envelope that are otherwise occluded. Combining CD4mc with specific antibodies can reduce viral replication and reservoir size by enhancing ADCC. The dependence on NK cells and Fc effector functions for these effects highlights the importance of ADCC in combating HIV-1.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takuya Kobayakawa, Masaru Yokoyama, Kohei Tsuji, Masayuki Fujino, Masaki Kurakami, Sayaka Boku, Miyuki Nakayama, Moemi Kaneko, Nami Ohashi, Osamu Kotani, Tsutomu Murakami, Hironori Sato, Hirokazu Tamamura
Summary: A small molecule designed to mimic hydrophobic interactions between HIV-1 capsid proteins has shown significant anti-HIV-1 activity. Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies of its derivatives provide valuable information for the design and development of novel anti-HIV agents targeting the capsid protein. This new drug has the potential to be an effective treatment for HIV in the future.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nuno Taveira, Ines Figueiredo, Rita Calado, Francisco Martin, Ines Bartolo, Jose M. Marcelino, Pedro Borrego, Fernando Cardoso, Helena Barroso
Summary: Developing immunogens that can elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) is crucial for the development of an effective HIV vaccine. In this study, a prime-boost vaccination strategy using vaccinia virus expressing the gp120 envelope glycoprotein of HIV-2 and a polypeptide comprising specific regions of the envelope glycoprotein was shown to elicit bNAbs against both HIV-1 and HIV-2. The findings suggest that a chimeric envelope glycoprotein containing specific regions from both viruses could be a potential vaccine immunogen to target neutralizing epitopes in both HIV-1 and HIV-2.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ethan Klock, Ethan Wilson, Reinaldo E. Fernandez, Estelle Piwowar-Manning, Ayana Moore, Barry Kosloff, Justin Bwalya, Nomtha Bell-Mandla, Anelet James, Helen Ayles, Peter Bock, Deborah Donnell, Sarah Fidler, Richard Hayes, Susan H. Eshleman, Oliver Laeyendecker
Summary: Cross-sectional HIV incidence testing is important for estimating population-level HIV incidence and evaluating prevention interventions. In settings with high levels of viral suppression, different multi-assay algorithms for incidence estimation may provide accurate or underestimated results.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Takayuki Chikata, Hiroyuki Gatanaga, Hung The Nguyen, Daisuke Mizushima, Yu Zhang, Nozomi Kuse, Shinichi Oka, Masafumi Takiguchi
Summary: This study investigated HIV-1-specific CD8(+) T cell responses in 200 Japanese HIV-1-exposed seronegative (HESN) men who have sex with men (MSM). The results showed the presence of HLA-B*51:01-restricted Pol TI8- specific and HLA-A*02:06-restricted Pol SV9-specific CD8+ T cells in two and one individuals, respectively. These HIV-1-specific T cells may contribute to suppressing HIV-1 replication in HESN-MSM individuals.
Article
Immunology
An-Liang Guo, Jin-Fang Zhao, Lin Gao, Hui-Huang Huang, Ji-Yuan Zhang, Chao Zhang, Jin-Wen Song, Ruo-Nan Xu, Xing Fan, Ming Shi, Yan-Mei Jiao, Fu-Sheng Wang
Summary: The study found that CD11c(+) CD8(+) T cells can effectively control viral replication during HIV-1 infection and have the potential to be used as an immunotherapeutic approach.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takuya Kobayakawa, Masaru Yokoyama, Kohei Tsuji, Masayuki Fujino, Masaki Kurakami, Takato Onishi, Sayaka Boku, Takahiro Ishii, Yutaro Miura, Kouki Shinohara, Yuki Kishihara, Nami Ohashi, Osamu Kotani, Tsutomu Murakami, Hironori Sato, Hirokazu Tamamura
Summary: The HIV-1 capsid is crucial for viral replication and represents a potential target for antiviral drugs. A small molecule designed to mimic the interaction between CA proteins has shown significant anti-HIV-1 activity. In this study, molecules with different structures based on this small molecule were synthesized and found to have significant anti-HIV activity, with advantages over previous compounds.
Article
Virology
Hailong Li, Kristen A. McLaurin, Jessica M. Illenberger, Charles F. Mactutus, Rosemarie M. Booze
Summary: The studies found that HIV-1 mRNA in the brain shows a region-specific distribution pattern in HIV-1 transgenic rats, with microglia being the main cell type expressing HIV-1. A novel biological system successfully modeled key aspects of HIV-1 infection in rats by infusing control rats with chimeric HIV and revealed similar findings to observations in the HIV-1 transgenic rats.
Article
Virology
Danielle E. Lyons, Priti Kumar, Nadia R. Roan, Patricia A. Defechereux, Cedric Feschotte, Ulrike C. Lange, Niren Murthy, Pauline Sameshima, Eric Verdin, Julie A. Ake, Matthew S. Parsons, Avindra Nath, Sara Gianella, Davey M. Smith, Esper G. Kallas, Thomas J. Villa, Richard Strange, Betty Mwesigwa, Robert L. Furler O'Brien, Douglas F. Nixon, Lishomwa C. Ndhlovu, Susana T. Valente, Melanie Ott
Summary: This article proposes a novel approach to cure HIV-1 infection by silencing viral expression for long-term control without antiretroviral therapy. The approach is based on research into HIV-1 latency mechanisms, lessons from latency reversing agents, and knowledge of retroviral evolution. Insights from elite controllers and advanced genome engineering technologies offer potential routes to a rapid cure for HIV-1.
Article
Immunology
Amy S. Sturt, Emily L. Webb, Comfort R. Phiri, Maina Mudenda, Joyce Mapani, Barry Kosloff, Maina Cheeba, Kwame Shanaube, Justin Bwalya, Eyrun F. Kjetland, Suzanna C. Francis, Paul L. A. M. Corstjens, Govert J. van Dam, Lisette van Lieshout, Isaiah Hansingo, Helen Ayles, Richard J. Hayes, Amaya L. Bustinduy
Summary: The study found that despite higher HIV seroconversion rates in women with female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), there was no statistical evidence to confirm the association between the two. Further longitudinal studies should be conducted in settings with higher schistosomiasis endemicity to investigate this association.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hui Zhang, Shuang Cao, Yang Gao, Xiao Sun, Fanming Jiang, Bin Zhao, Haibo Ding, Tao Dong, Xiaoxu Han, Hong Shang
Summary: In this study, the recombination structure and T-cell responses of HIV-1 in patient LNA819 were analyzed. The results showed continuous evolution of recombinants and identified immunodominant epitopes. Immune escape mechanisms were also revealed.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Jeffrey C. Umotoy, Steven W. de Taeye
Summary: Despite the improvements in life expectancy for people living with HIV-1 through antiretroviral therapy, a cure for HIV/AIDS remains elusive. The emergence of drug resistance has led to increased treatment failures, highlighting the need for novel strategies for HIV-1 cure. Antibody conjugates (ACs) show promise in addressing limitations of current ART, reducing off-target effects, toxicity, and production costs, and are being explored for their potential in HIV-1 cure.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Elizabeth T. Rogawski McQuade, James A. Platts-Mills, Jean Gratz, Jixian Zhang, Lawrence H. Moulton, Kuda Mutasa, Florence D. Majo, Naume Tavengwa, Robert Ntozini, Andrew J. Prendergast, Jean H. Humphrey, Jie Liu, Eric R. Houpt
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Ceri Evans, Bernard Chasekwa, Robert Ntozini, Florence D. Majo, Kuda Mutasa, Naume Tavengwa, Batsirai Mutasa, Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya, Laura E. Smith, Rebecca J. Stoltzfus, Lawrence H. Moulton, Jean H. Humphrey, Andrew J. Prendergast
Summary: In rural Zimbabwe, mortality remains 40% higher among children exposed to HIV, vertical transmission exceeds elimination targets, and half of HIV-exposed uninfected children are stunted. It is suggested that the composite outcome of being alive, HIV free, and thriving should be the long-term goal of PMTCT programs.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Wellington Murenjekwa, Rachel Makasi, Robert Ntozini, Bernard Chasekwa, Kuda Mutasa, Lawrence H. Moulton, James M. Tielsch, Jean H. Humphrey, Laura E. Smith, Andrew J. Prendergast, Claire D. Bourke
Summary: A study involving 4437 participants showed a high prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis among pregnant women, but it was not significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes or child growth. The findings suggest that including pregnant women in anti-infection treatment programs would still be beneficial.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Robert Ntozini, Jaya Chandna, Ceri Evans, Bernard Chasekwa, Florence D. Majo, Gwendoline Kandawasvika, Naume Tavengwa, Batsirai Mutasa, Kuda Mutasa, Lawrence H. Moulton, Jean H. Humphrey, Melissa J. Gladstone, Andrew J. Prendergast
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Joice Tome, Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya, Rachel R. Makasi, Robert Ntozini, Andrew J. Prendergast, Katherine L. Dickin, Gretel H. Pelto, Mark A. Constas, Lawrence H. Moulton, Rebecca J. Stoltzfus, Jean H. Humphrey, Cynthia R. Matare
Summary: Research suggests that maternal gender norm attitudes, social support, and decision-making autonomy during pregnancy are associated with the growth and development of 18-month-old infants. Strengthening these maternal capabilities may improve child nutritional status.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2021)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nikhil Kothegal, Alice Wang, Sasi Jonnalagadda, Adam MacNeil, Elizabeth Radin, Kristin Brown, Owen Mugurungi, Regis Choto, Shirish Balachandra, John H. Rogers, Godfrey Musuka, Thokozani Kalua, Michael Odo, Andrew Auld, Laurence Gunde, Evelyn Kim, Danielle Payne, Patrick Lungu, Lloyd Mulenga, Ahmed Saadani Hassani, Tepa Nkumbula, Hetal Patel, Bharat Parekh, Andrew C. Voetsch
Summary: The World Health Organization recommends HIV testing and counseling at tuberculosis clinics for all patients, but data from Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe show that a certain percentage of HIV-positive individuals were not screened for HIV during TB clinic visits, representing missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis among this population. Strengthening HIV screening in TB clinics could improve the HIV care and treatment cascade.
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Thomas Althaus, Bernard Chasekwa, Ruairi C. Robertson, Robert Ntozini, Katie Greenland, Jean H. Humphrey, Andrew J. Prendergast
Summary: Among reproductive-age women in sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing. Maternal body mass index (BMI) may influence the risk of infant infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Data from a birth cohort of 5344 HIV-unexposed Zimbabwean infants showed that the rate of sick clinic visits for infections during the first 12 months postpartum progressively rose among infants of overweight and obese women, particularly due to skin, respiratory, and ear infections. Maternal obesity may therefore influence infant infectious morbidity in LMIC over the first year after birth.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Selamawit Woldesenbet, Tendesayi Kufa-Chakezha, Carl Lombard, Samuel Manda, Mireille Cheyip, Kassahun Ayalew, Brian Chirombo, Peter Barron, Karidia Diallo, Bharat Parekh, Adrian Puren
Summary: The study in South Africa estimated a 1.5% annual HIV incidence among pregnant women, with factors such as being single or cohabiting, and being in an age-disparate relationship among young women, associated with higher odds of recent infection. Despite the lower incidence compared to previous studies, efforts are needed to meet UNAIDS targets and prevent new infections among vulnerable groups.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadia Koyratty, Andrew D. Jones, Roseanne Schuster, Katarzyna Kordas, Chin-Shang Li, Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya, Godfred O. Boateng, Robert Ntozini, Bernard Chasekwa, Jean H. Humphrey, Laura E. Smith
Summary: The study conceptualized and measured the multidimensional aspects of household food insecurity and water insecurity separately, identifying key dimensions for each. Internal validity tests showed associations between these dimensions and a set of exogenous variables, supporting their predictive, convergent, and discriminant validity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lawrence H. Moulton
Summary: This article discusses the restrictions on randomization and their consequences in cluster randomized trials, explains the Fisher-Bailey validity, and provides examples of the tradeoff between balance and validity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thomas Frederick Dunne, Jaya Chandna, Florence Majo, Naume Tavengwa, Batsirai Mutasa, Bernard Chasekwa, Robert Ntozini, Andrew J. Prendergast, Jean H. Humphrey, Melissa J. Gladstone
Summary: Approximately 1-in-20 children in rural Zimbabwe were identified to have functional difficulty, which is comparable to previous studies. The Washington Group Child Functioning Module (WGCFM) showed concurrent validity with the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT), supporting its use in early childhood. Children from families with food insecurity and poorer housing were more at risk of functional difficulty.
Letter
Pediatrics
Jonathan Broad, James Church, Kuda Mutasa, Florence D. Majo, Naume Tavengwa, Bernard Chasekwa, Jean H. Humphrey, Robert Ntozini, Andrew J. Prendergast
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ruairi C. C. Robertson, Thaddeus J. J. Edens, Lynnea Carr, Kuda Mutasa, Ethan K. K. Gough, Ceri Evans, Hyun Min Geum, Iman Baharmand, Sandeep K. K. Gill, Robert Ntozini, Laura E. E. Smith, Bernard Chasekwa, Florence D. D. Majo, Naume V. V. Tavengwa, Batsirai Mutasa, Freddy Francis, Joice Tome, Rebecca J. J. Stoltzfus, Jean H. H. Humphrey, Andrew J. J. Prendergast, Amee R. R. Manges
Summary: Stunting affects 1 in 5 children globally and is associated with health issues. The gut microbiome in early life plays a role in child growth. This study shows that the gut microbiome of infants in rural Zimbabwe undergoes programmed maturation, which is not affected by sanitation and nutrition interventions but is influenced by maternal HIV infection and can moderately predict linear growth.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
James A. Church, Sandra Rukobo, Margaret Govha, Ethan K. Gough, Bernard Chasekwa, Benjamin Lee, Marya P. Carmolli, Gordana Panic, Natasa Giallourou, Robert Ntozini, Kuda Mutasa, Monica M. McNeal, Florence D. Majo, Naume Tavengwa, Jonathan R. Swann, Lawrence H. Moulton, Beth D. Kirkpatrick, Jean H. Humphrey, Andrew J. Prendergast
Summary: The study found no strong evidence of an association between EED and poor RVV immunogenicity, but weak evidence suggested a potential link between EED and increased immunogenicity. Improving WASH did not have an impact on EED biomarkers.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jaya Chandna, Robert Ntozini, Ceri Evans, Gwendoline Kandawasvika, Bernard Chasekwa, Florence Majo, Kuda Mutasa, Naume Tavengwa, Batsirai Mutasa, Mdhu Mbuya, Lawrence H. Moulton, Jean H. Humphrey, Andrew Prendergast, Melissa Gladstone