Tag: Immunodeficiency Disorders

Targeted shock-and-kill HIV-1 gene therapy approach combining CRISPR activation, suicide gene tBid and retargeted adenovirus delivery

Abstract Infections with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are incurable due the long-lasting, latent viral reservoir. The shock-and-kill cure approach aims to activate latent proviruses in HIV-1 infected cells and subsequently kill these cells with strategies such as therapeutic vaccines or immune enhancement. Here, we combined the dCas9-VPR CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) system with… Continue reading Targeted shock-and-kill HIV-1 gene therapy approach combining CRISPR activation, suicide gene tBid and retargeted adenovirus delivery

Remission from HIV-1 infection: Discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies that contribute to virus control

Some HIV-1 carriers who have received an early antiretroviral treatment during several years are able to control the virus for a long term after treatment interruption. However, the mechanisms enabling this post-treatment control have not been fully elucidated. Scientists have now investigated and revealed how neutralizing antibodies, including those described as broadly neutralizing, contribute to… Continue reading Remission from HIV-1 infection: Discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies that contribute to virus control

People living with HIV respond well to COVID-19 infection and vaccination

A recent study published in Frontiers in Immunology examines the antibody response to natural infection or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Study: Despite delayed kinetics, people living with HIV achieve equivalent antibody function after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Image Credit: Oselote / Shutterstock.com Introduction Current estimates indicate that… Continue reading People living with HIV respond well to COVID-19 infection and vaccination

[Review] Metabolic implications and safety of dolutegravir use in pregnancy

Dolutegravir is recommended for all people living with HIV because of its efficacy, high barrier to resistance, favourable safety and tolerability profile . It has been associated with metabolic complications, including weight gain and rare events of hyperglycaemia, that could affect maternal, fetal, and postnatal health .

Structures and immune recognition of Env trimers from two Asia prevalent HIV-1 CRFs

Abstract Structure-guided immunofocusing HIV-1 vaccine design entails a comprehensive understanding of Envs from diverse HIV-1 subtypes, including circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). Here, we present the cryo-EM structures of Envs from two Asia prevalent CRFs (CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC) at 3.0 and 3.5 Å. We compare the structures and glycosylation patterns of Envs from different subtypes and perform… Continue reading Structures and immune recognition of Env trimers from two Asia prevalent HIV-1 CRFs

Withania somnifera extracts induced attenuation of HIV-1: a mechanistic approach to restrict viral infection

In vitro cytotoxicity of Withania somnifera extracts on TZM-bl cell line and PBMCs WSAQ and WSHA extracts were initially examined for their cellular viability on TZM-bl cell lines and PBMCs using MTT quantitative colorimetric assay. Increasing the concentrations directly attributed to the increase in the cytotoxicity for WSHA and WSAQ extracts in the TZM-bl cells… Continue reading Withania somnifera extracts induced attenuation of HIV-1: a mechanistic approach to restrict viral infection

Learning how to control HIV from African genomes

A study on almost four thousand people of African descent has identified a gene that acts as natural defense against HIV by limiting its replication in certain white blood cells . This research paves the way for new treatment strategies and underscores the importance of studying diverse ancestral populations to better address their specific medical… Continue reading Learning how to control HIV from African genomes

Efficacy of Pitavastatin Treatment for people with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy

Pitavastatin is a pharmaceutical agent studied for its potential in treating People Living with HIV, or PLHIV, who also have dyslipidemia and are receiving ritonavir-boosted atazanavir (ATV/r) as part of their antiretroviral therapy (ART). Dyslipidemia is the imbalance of lipids such as cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (“good” cholesterol – LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol – HDL) It is normally treated… Continue reading Efficacy of Pitavastatin Treatment for people with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy