Dr. Frank Plummer, a world renowned HIV/AIDS researcher as well as the Chief Science Advisor and Scientific Director General of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg, delivered an exciting presentation at the University of Calgary on June 3, 2011. His talk, entitled “Slowness to integrate science into HIV prevention policy,” covered his HIV research work in Africa over the past 25 years. ACAA volunteer blog writer Shweta Sah had a chance to listen to Dr. Plummer's lecture and speak with him regarding his research.
Ground-breaking discovery in Africa
Dr. Plummer is best known for his discovery of a subset of Kenyan sex trade workers who are naturally resistant to HIV. He commenced a study of 500 sex trade workers in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi in the late 1980s which helped disseminate the notion that HIV/AIDS was not just a homosexual disease, as approximately two thirds of the study participants (mostly women) were HIV positive. Although establishing that women could in fact be infected by the virus through vaginal intercourse was certainly a key finding, what was more remarkable was the discovery Dr. Plummer made regarding the other third of the study’s populous.
While typically belonging to a high risk vulnerable population, HIV negative individuals from this particular group of sex workers displayed a natural resistance to HIV-1. Moreover, a cohort study conducted in Nairobi showed that the percentage of HIV seroconversion (detection of specific antibodies against HIV antigens) was highest amongst sex workers who did not use condoms versus those who used condoms 100% of the time. This meant that despite engaging in high risk behaviour (i.e. unprotected sex) members of this Nairobi sex worker population with a natural resistance to HIV were less susceptible to contracting the virus than those who practiced safer sex vigilantly. This was a very crucial finding, as gaining insight into the cause and nature of HIV-1 resistance displayed by these Kenyan sex workers could serve as a stepping stone into the future development of an effective vaccine against HIV.
What leads to immunity in the Kenyan sex workers?
These Kenyan sex workers have a quiescent immune system; they produce less activated T-cells (cells that produce antibodies to fight against HIV antigens) and less cytokines (group of proteins that interact with cells of the immune system and regulate the body's response to disease and infection). This leads to a suppressed immune system. Given the fact that HIV requires a healthy and active immune system to infect the host cells, the retrovirus fails to flourish, reproduce and replicate in an inactive immune system.
Safety measures suggested by the expert
Dr. Plummer suggests mandatory safer sex education at the school and community level, and following HIV prevention strategies. Also, keeping oneself updated with current world health policies and procedures are the key factors that will help reduce the HIV epidemic on a greater scale.
Obstacles along the way - How best to coordinate science and policy
The main hurdle preventing the implementation of key policy initiatives to address the HIV pandemic is the slow rate at which it takes scientific data regarding the spread of the virus to be accepted by mainstream society and integrated into the existing knowledge base. For instance, it took 2 years for the general public to accept that women could become infected with HIV through vaginal intercourse, and 19 years to gain mainstream acceptance of the notion that male circumcision reduces HIV transmission risk. Overall, Dr. Plummer really articulated the notion that knowledge translation takes time and people are naturally sceptical of new scientific developments. Poor understanding of science and issues by leaders due to political, scientific and public health issues are other contributing factors.
Why was Dr. Plummer interested in HIV research in Africa?
Africa is the most affected nation in the world with HIV/AIDS. Estimates show that 22.5 million people are still living with HIV across the continent - two thirds of the global total. Therefore, increasing death rates automatically become a huge concern, and is what primarily compelled Dr. Plummer to carry out his work in Africa. In the long run, he continues to conduct research in Africa with the hopes of understanding and one day halting the pandemic, which will contribute to the welfare of our society as a whole.
A final key message from the expert
For the future of HIV research, he states, “Keep doing the research and one day we shall find the solution”.
Resources:
1. http://www.cestmajournee.gc.ca/itsmyday/inside/profiles/frankplummer.asp
2. http://www.science.ca/scientists/scientistprofile.php?pID=402
3. http://www.chrcrm.org/en/future-health/public-health-researcher-extraordinaire-meet-dr-frank-plummer
4. http://www.mrsi.ca/plummerlab.htm
5. http://www.avert.org/hiv-aids-africa.htm
6. http://www.catie.ca/eng/Home.shtml
7. http://aidscalgary.blogspot.com/
This article was written by Shweta Sah, an AIDS Calgary Awareness Association (ACAA) volunteerblog writer. Shweta is a 1st year M.Sc. Medicine student in the University of Calgary. This is Shweta’s second blog article for ACAA, click here to view her previous article Ground Breaking Research at University of Calgary.
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
HIV and Domestic Violence
Different social determinants of health have been well known to affect the wellbeing of individuals living with HIV. Stigma, discrimination, and some religious/ cultural convictions as well as other factors have the potential to hinder one’s ability to access services to improve health and wellness. In Canada, and around the world, abuse has also received a lot of attention due to the outcomes it is associated with. Abuse within this context includes; physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and financial/economic abuse.
Researchers at the University of Calgary conducted a study to identify the impact of domestic violence victimization on people living with HIV. The study was conducted with 853 patients of the Southern Alberta Clinic (SAC). 34% of patients reported experiencing abuse. Of those, more than half reported childhood abuse or abuse within a previous relationship. 16% reported abuse within their current relationships (Siemieniuk, Krentz, Gish and Gill, 764).
Results from the study confirm the link between abuse and HIV infection in developing nations. Previous studies indicate that women who experience different forms of abuse have higher mortality rates (763). They were also more likely to engage in high-risk activities including: multiple concurrent sexual partners, unprotected sex and injection drug use.
Victims of violence typically delay accessing services from health care providers. Of the study participants, 27% accessed services from SAC more than 90 days after the time of diagnosis compared to 19% of people who reported no abuse (765). It is also important to note that people experiencing abuse were also more likely to miss scheduled doctor appointments. Once in care, they requested more personal support and social work services than their non-abused peers (765).
Some other key findings from the study suggest that women are not the only group at risk. Gay and/or bisexual men and Aboriginal people are disproportionally represented among people experiencing abuse (767).
Results from the study suggest there is a strong relationship between domestic violence victimization and HIV. The impact of domestic violence on individuals leads to poor health outcomes such as mental health disorders and an increased use of medical resources (768). Domestic violence screening is an important first step to identifying individuals who may be suffering from abuse and its consequences. This will enable HIV caregivers to facilitate the most appropriate intervention for each client.
Works Cited
Siemieuniuk R., Krentz, H.B., Gish, J.A., Gill, M.J. “Domestic Violence Screening: Prevalence and Outcomes in a Canadian HIV Population. Aids Patient Care and STDs 24.12 (2010) 763-780
Additional Resources
Intimate Partner Violence and HIV/AIDS
This article was submitted by an AIDS Calgary Outreach Worker.
Researchers at the University of Calgary conducted a study to identify the impact of domestic violence victimization on people living with HIV. The study was conducted with 853 patients of the Southern Alberta Clinic (SAC). 34% of patients reported experiencing abuse. Of those, more than half reported childhood abuse or abuse within a previous relationship. 16% reported abuse within their current relationships (Siemieniuk, Krentz, Gish and Gill, 764).
Results from the study confirm the link between abuse and HIV infection in developing nations. Previous studies indicate that women who experience different forms of abuse have higher mortality rates (763). They were also more likely to engage in high-risk activities including: multiple concurrent sexual partners, unprotected sex and injection drug use.
Victims of violence typically delay accessing services from health care providers. Of the study participants, 27% accessed services from SAC more than 90 days after the time of diagnosis compared to 19% of people who reported no abuse (765). It is also important to note that people experiencing abuse were also more likely to miss scheduled doctor appointments. Once in care, they requested more personal support and social work services than their non-abused peers (765).
Some other key findings from the study suggest that women are not the only group at risk. Gay and/or bisexual men and Aboriginal people are disproportionally represented among people experiencing abuse (767).
Results from the study suggest there is a strong relationship between domestic violence victimization and HIV. The impact of domestic violence on individuals leads to poor health outcomes such as mental health disorders and an increased use of medical resources (768). Domestic violence screening is an important first step to identifying individuals who may be suffering from abuse and its consequences. This will enable HIV caregivers to facilitate the most appropriate intervention for each client.
Works Cited
Siemieuniuk R., Krentz, H.B., Gish, J.A., Gill, M.J. “Domestic Violence Screening: Prevalence and Outcomes in a Canadian HIV Population. Aids Patient Care and STDs 24.12 (2010) 763-780
Additional Resources
Intimate Partner Violence and HIV/AIDS
This article was submitted by an AIDS Calgary Outreach Worker.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Recent medical breakthroughs in the fight against HIV/AIDS
Results from the iPrEx clinical trial showed significant risk reduction of contracting HIV when participants used Truvada as a form of PrEP.
Who is doing the research?
The study is sponsored by the National Institute of Health (US) and has a number of international collaborators. Participants have been recruited from the United States, Thailand, South Africa and South America.
What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an HIV prevention method currently being explored in multiple studies. PrEP involves an HIV-negative individual taking antiretroviral drugs to reduce their risk of contracting HIV. PrEP can be taken in multiple forms including pills, topical gels or injections.
What is Truvada?
Truvada is an anti-HIV drug that combines two anti-HIV medications into one pill.
What is the iPrEx study?
iPrEx is an international study aimed at determining whether using Truvada can help prevent HIV acquisition in HIV-negative people. The study is looking specifically at MSM (men who have sex with men) populations.
What are the positive results?
The most positive result of the study is that the daily use of Truvada reduced the risk of contracting HIV by 44%. The daily use of Truvada in this study was shown to be safe and to have minimal side effects.
What are the concerns?
PrEP is not a substitute for condoms and there is a concern that people may view it as such. To date, nothing has proven to be as effective in preventing the spread of HIV as correct and consistent condom usage.
There is also a concern that people using Truvada as a form of PrEP may develop drug resistances that could reduce treatment options should they become HIV-positive.
The cost of this form of PrEP, should it become available, could also pose a major concern. Relative to other forms of prevention (e.g. condom use), Truvada is very expensive. In the United States and Canada the necessary dosage of Truvada for HIV prevention would cost approximately $800/month.
It should also be noted that this study looked specifically at MSM with receptive anal sex being the possible mode of transmission. This study doesn’t provide any information about the effectiveness (or safety) of using Truvada to prevent HIV transmission through vaginal sex or injection drug use.
How long until this form of PrEP is commercially available?
The iPrEx study is still in the clinical stage trial. Several more years of clinical trials remain in the study. If the method is proven effective, even after clinical trials are complete it could take several years before this form of PrEP could be made readily available.
For more on this study:
Truvada for HIV prevention – some good news but caution still needed, CATIE
iPrEx study official website
Truvada official website
Who is doing the research?
The study is sponsored by the National Institute of Health (US) and has a number of international collaborators. Participants have been recruited from the United States, Thailand, South Africa and South America.
What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an HIV prevention method currently being explored in multiple studies. PrEP involves an HIV-negative individual taking antiretroviral drugs to reduce their risk of contracting HIV. PrEP can be taken in multiple forms including pills, topical gels or injections.
What is Truvada?
Truvada is an anti-HIV drug that combines two anti-HIV medications into one pill.
What is the iPrEx study?
iPrEx is an international study aimed at determining whether using Truvada can help prevent HIV acquisition in HIV-negative people. The study is looking specifically at MSM (men who have sex with men) populations.
What are the positive results?
The most positive result of the study is that the daily use of Truvada reduced the risk of contracting HIV by 44%. The daily use of Truvada in this study was shown to be safe and to have minimal side effects.
What are the concerns?
PrEP is not a substitute for condoms and there is a concern that people may view it as such. To date, nothing has proven to be as effective in preventing the spread of HIV as correct and consistent condom usage.
There is also a concern that people using Truvada as a form of PrEP may develop drug resistances that could reduce treatment options should they become HIV-positive.
The cost of this form of PrEP, should it become available, could also pose a major concern. Relative to other forms of prevention (e.g. condom use), Truvada is very expensive. In the United States and Canada the necessary dosage of Truvada for HIV prevention would cost approximately $800/month.
It should also be noted that this study looked specifically at MSM with receptive anal sex being the possible mode of transmission. This study doesn’t provide any information about the effectiveness (or safety) of using Truvada to prevent HIV transmission through vaginal sex or injection drug use.
How long until this form of PrEP is commercially available?
The iPrEx study is still in the clinical stage trial. Several more years of clinical trials remain in the study. If the method is proven effective, even after clinical trials are complete it could take several years before this form of PrEP could be made readily available.
For more on this study:
Truvada for HIV prevention – some good news but caution still needed, CATIE
iPrEx study official website
Truvada official website
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Recent medical breakthroughs in the fight against HIV/AIDS
A group of doctors in Berlin believe that they have cured HIV in a man who underwent a stem cell transplant to treat his leukemia.
Who is doing the research?
A group of doctors at the Charite - University Medicine Berlin.
When was it discovered?
The case was originally presented at a conference in 2008. The full case history was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February 2009. Follow-up results were published in December 2010 in the journal Blood.
Why is this groundbreaking?
Doctors believe that they have cured their patient of HIV. They have been following the case for 3 years and HIV has not reappeared in the man’s body. This case may point the way towards utilizing stem cell transplants to develop a cure for HIV.
How was the HIV infection cured? The patient in this case received a bone marrow transplant as part of his leukemia treatment. Doctors deliberately chose a stem cell donor who had a particular CD4 cell mutation.
HIV enters host cells by binding to a CD4 receptor and then interacting with either CCR5 or the CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR4). The stem cell donor did not have a CCR5 receptor on his CD4 cells. Basically, the HIV in the patient’s body was no longer able to attach and take over his CD4 cells (which is how HIV spreads in the body).
How long until treatment is available?
Even though the results of the study are very promising (i.e. it appears likely that the patient has been cured of HIV), the treatment used is not a viable cure for the vast majority of people living with HIV. If, over the long term, the HIV doesn’t resurface in the patient (i.e. it is not lurking in deposits in the body, waiting to mutate and resurface) there are two major barriers to this treatment being considered a true cure:
Who is doing the research?
A group of doctors at the Charite - University Medicine Berlin.
When was it discovered?
The case was originally presented at a conference in 2008. The full case history was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February 2009. Follow-up results were published in December 2010 in the journal Blood.
Why is this groundbreaking?
Doctors believe that they have cured their patient of HIV. They have been following the case for 3 years and HIV has not reappeared in the man’s body. This case may point the way towards utilizing stem cell transplants to develop a cure for HIV.
How was the HIV infection cured? The patient in this case received a bone marrow transplant as part of his leukemia treatment. Doctors deliberately chose a stem cell donor who had a particular CD4 cell mutation.
HIV enters host cells by binding to a CD4 receptor and then interacting with either CCR5 or the CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR4). The stem cell donor did not have a CCR5 receptor on his CD4 cells. Basically, the HIV in the patient’s body was no longer able to attach and take over his CD4 cells (which is how HIV spreads in the body).
How long until treatment is available?
Even though the results of the study are very promising (i.e. it appears likely that the patient has been cured of HIV), the treatment used is not a viable cure for the vast majority of people living with HIV. If, over the long term, the HIV doesn’t resurface in the patient (i.e. it is not lurking in deposits in the body, waiting to mutate and resurface) there are two major barriers to this treatment being considered a true cure:
- The genetic mutation present in the donor stem cells is only present in 1-3% of the Caucasian population (African Americans and Asians do not have this mutation). There are not nearly enough donors to treat the number of people living with HIV.
- The process of undergoing stem cell transplants is risky. Before the transplant can take place, patients must undergo chemotherapy which leaves them without any immune system. Side effects, transplant rejection and even death can (and do) occur during the transplant process.
For more on this study:
Article published in the New England Journal of Medicine - retrieved December 20, 2010
Stem cell transplant has cured HIV infection in ‘Berlin patient’ says doctors, aidsmap - retrieved December 20, 2010
Man appears free of HIV after stem cell transplant, CNN Health - retrieved December 20, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
HIV and Brain Disease
Local Research Suggests 1 in 4 People Living with HIV Experience Brain Disease
New research indicates that one in four people living with HIV experience neurological diseases, a much higher rate than the general population. Furthermore, those living with HIV who do experience neurological disease face an increased risk of AIDS-related mortality.
Where does the research come from?
Conducted between 1998 and 2008, the study involved 1,651 participants undergoing active HIV treatment at Southern Alberta HIV Clinic (SAC). SAC provides medical services for all patients living with HIV in southern Alberta. The study team was lead by Dr. Chris Power, a professor of neurology at the University of Calgary and Dr. John Gill, Medical Director at SAC. Research findings were published in the Sept. 28 issue of the international journal Neurology.
What does the research tell us about HIV-related brain disease?
404 study participants experienced various neurological problems including: seizures, dementia, memory loss, movement disorders, nerve pain, headaches/migraines, and opportunistic infections of the central nervous system. According to the research, an AIDS diagnosis increases the prevalence of brain disorders twofold for people living with HIV.
Because HIV itself (as opposed to side effects of anti-HIV treatment) can cause significant neurocognitive disorders, the study suggests that current HIV treatment does not effectively reach or attack virus inside the brain.
The research confirms what has been observed clinically and anecdotally since the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980’s. Neurological problems can be a significant source of disability for people living with HIV and can considerably impact quality of life.
How will the research inform future research and ongoing care?
According to Dr. Power, neurological and cognitive problems experienced by people living with HIV are often ignored. Focus on the prevention or treatment of pneumonias or other infections means HIV-related brain disorders may be overlooked. The new research can inform current care and future treatment options. "The blood-brain barrier means that a much smaller dose of HIV drugs is getting into the brain...that motivates us to look closely at which drugs are working well, design optimal drug combinations to reduce brain diseases and to explore in the lab new drugs that we can use to protect the brain" says Power. The study identifies a need to develop new treatments that can be used in high concentration to attack HIV without damaging the brain.
In the words of one study participant, “It gives me hope...they are doing the best they can”.
For more on this study:
Neurologic disease burden in treated HIV/AIDS predicts survival – Neurology
Calgary study finds 1 in 4 with HIV have brain disorders – The Calgary Herald
10-year study finds HIV frequently causes brain disease –Alberta Innovates Health Solutions
New research indicates that one in four people living with HIV experience neurological diseases, a much higher rate than the general population. Furthermore, those living with HIV who do experience neurological disease face an increased risk of AIDS-related mortality.
Where does the research come from?
Conducted between 1998 and 2008, the study involved 1,651 participants undergoing active HIV treatment at Southern Alberta HIV Clinic (SAC). SAC provides medical services for all patients living with HIV in southern Alberta. The study team was lead by Dr. Chris Power, a professor of neurology at the University of Calgary and Dr. John Gill, Medical Director at SAC. Research findings were published in the Sept. 28 issue of the international journal Neurology.
What does the research tell us about HIV-related brain disease?
404 study participants experienced various neurological problems including: seizures, dementia, memory loss, movement disorders, nerve pain, headaches/migraines, and opportunistic infections of the central nervous system. According to the research, an AIDS diagnosis increases the prevalence of brain disorders twofold for people living with HIV.
Because HIV itself (as opposed to side effects of anti-HIV treatment) can cause significant neurocognitive disorders, the study suggests that current HIV treatment does not effectively reach or attack virus inside the brain.
The research confirms what has been observed clinically and anecdotally since the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980’s. Neurological problems can be a significant source of disability for people living with HIV and can considerably impact quality of life.
How will the research inform future research and ongoing care?
According to Dr. Power, neurological and cognitive problems experienced by people living with HIV are often ignored. Focus on the prevention or treatment of pneumonias or other infections means HIV-related brain disorders may be overlooked. The new research can inform current care and future treatment options. "The blood-brain barrier means that a much smaller dose of HIV drugs is getting into the brain...that motivates us to look closely at which drugs are working well, design optimal drug combinations to reduce brain diseases and to explore in the lab new drugs that we can use to protect the brain" says Power. The study identifies a need to develop new treatments that can be used in high concentration to attack HIV without damaging the brain.
In the words of one study participant, “It gives me hope...they are doing the best they can”.
For more on this study:
Neurologic disease burden in treated HIV/AIDS predicts survival – Neurology
Calgary study finds 1 in 4 with HIV have brain disorders – The Calgary Herald
10-year study finds HIV frequently causes brain disease –Alberta Innovates Health Solutions
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Recent medical breakthroughs in the fight against HIV/AIDS
US researchers have discovered two powerful antibodies that neutralize more than 90% of all known strains of the HIV virus in the lab. This finding could lead to the production of new HIV treatments and/or a vaccine.
Who is doing the research?
A National Institute of Health led team of virologists.
When was it discovered?
The research was published in the July 8 online issue of the journal Science.
Why is this groundbreaking?
Refined molecular tools were able to pinpoint a vulnerable spot on the HIV virus. One of the most difficult aspects of HIV vaccine research is the ability of the virus to rapidly mutate. The weak spot that has been identified occurs in a position on the virus that doesn’t mutate as much.
Three antibodies have been identified that are able to bind to the virus at this weak spot, or “site of vulnerability”. These antibodies currently appear in approximately 10% of all people currently living with HIV. The antibodies were able to neutralize more than 90% of known strains of HIV virus in the lab.
Researchers will be conducting further tests on the antibodies. One stream of testing will focus on using the antibodies as a possible treatment for people living with HIV. Some research into the efficacy of the antibodies in a microbicide as a preventative measure against HIV will be explored.
Testing will also explore the possibility of creating an HIV vaccine. Similar to the way the polio vaccine was created, researchers will seek a way to prompt the human body into creating the antibodies that could effectively fight off the HIV virus.
How long until treatment is available?
The researchers will make no firm predictions as to how long it will be until new HIV treatments and/or a vaccine may be available based on the results of this research.
For more on this study:
Rational Design of Envelope Identifies Broadly Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibodies to HIV-1 - Science
Antibody finding may help in quest for AIDS vaccine – The Calgary Herald
Advance in quest for HIV vaccine – The Wall Street Journal
Who is doing the research?
A National Institute of Health led team of virologists.
When was it discovered?
The research was published in the July 8 online issue of the journal Science.
Why is this groundbreaking?
Refined molecular tools were able to pinpoint a vulnerable spot on the HIV virus. One of the most difficult aspects of HIV vaccine research is the ability of the virus to rapidly mutate. The weak spot that has been identified occurs in a position on the virus that doesn’t mutate as much.
Three antibodies have been identified that are able to bind to the virus at this weak spot, or “site of vulnerability”. These antibodies currently appear in approximately 10% of all people currently living with HIV. The antibodies were able to neutralize more than 90% of known strains of HIV virus in the lab.
Researchers will be conducting further tests on the antibodies. One stream of testing will focus on using the antibodies as a possible treatment for people living with HIV. Some research into the efficacy of the antibodies in a microbicide as a preventative measure against HIV will be explored.
Testing will also explore the possibility of creating an HIV vaccine. Similar to the way the polio vaccine was created, researchers will seek a way to prompt the human body into creating the antibodies that could effectively fight off the HIV virus.
How long until treatment is available?
The researchers will make no firm predictions as to how long it will be until new HIV treatments and/or a vaccine may be available based on the results of this research.
For more on this study:
Rational Design of Envelope Identifies Broadly Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibodies to HIV-1 - Science
Antibody finding may help in quest for AIDS vaccine – The Calgary Herald
Advance in quest for HIV vaccine – The Wall Street Journal
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Recent medical breakthroughs in the fight against HIV/AIDS
Scientists have cracked a puzzle about the HIV virus and how it works in the human body. This discovery could lead to better HIV treatments. The key is an enzyme called integrase.
What is integrase?
Integrase is an enzyme that assists HIV during the integration phase of the HIV replication cycle. Essentially, integrase helps HIV DNA copy itself into the host cell DNA.
HIV weakens the immune system by entering and taking control of healthy CD4 cells. Ultimately HIV destroys the immune system’s CD4 cells. Before these cells are destroyed, however, HIV uses the cell to produce and distribute more copies of the HIV virus.
Integrase plays a key role in the creation of new virus cells. Hijacked CD4 cells are only able to produce new copies of the HIV virus after integrase has done its job.
Who is doing the research?
Scientists at Imperial College London and Harvard University: Stephen Hare, Saumya Shree Gupta, Eugene Valkov, Alan Engelman & Peter Cherepanov.
When was it discovered?
January 2010
Why is this groundbreaking?
Researchers are now able to see the structure of the integrase enzyme, a previously impossible feat. It took over 40,000 trials to develop a crystal that gives a high quality three-dimensional view of the enzyme. Years of projects working to obtain a high-quality crystal had failed.
There is currently one drug in clinical use in Canada that blocks HIV replication by acting as an integrase inhibitor. It is now possible to see exactly how the drug works and potentially how to make improvements to the drugs efficacy. Understanding the structure of integrase will also open the door to development of new drugs that work to block HIV at this point in the replication cycle.
How long until treatment is available?
The researchers make no predictions as to how long it will be until new HIV treatments may be available based on the results of this research.
For more on this study:
Nature - Full Research Findings
cbc.ca - Enzyme structure cracks HIV puzzle
What is integrase?
Integrase is an enzyme that assists HIV during the integration phase of the HIV replication cycle. Essentially, integrase helps HIV DNA copy itself into the host cell DNA.
HIV weakens the immune system by entering and taking control of healthy CD4 cells. Ultimately HIV destroys the immune system’s CD4 cells. Before these cells are destroyed, however, HIV uses the cell to produce and distribute more copies of the HIV virus.
Integrase plays a key role in the creation of new virus cells. Hijacked CD4 cells are only able to produce new copies of the HIV virus after integrase has done its job.
Who is doing the research?
Scientists at Imperial College London and Harvard University: Stephen Hare, Saumya Shree Gupta, Eugene Valkov, Alan Engelman & Peter Cherepanov.
When was it discovered?
January 2010
Why is this groundbreaking?
Researchers are now able to see the structure of the integrase enzyme, a previously impossible feat. It took over 40,000 trials to develop a crystal that gives a high quality three-dimensional view of the enzyme. Years of projects working to obtain a high-quality crystal had failed.
There is currently one drug in clinical use in Canada that blocks HIV replication by acting as an integrase inhibitor. It is now possible to see exactly how the drug works and potentially how to make improvements to the drugs efficacy. Understanding the structure of integrase will also open the door to development of new drugs that work to block HIV at this point in the replication cycle.
How long until treatment is available?
The researchers make no predictions as to how long it will be until new HIV treatments may be available based on the results of this research.
For more on this study:
Nature - Full Research Findings
cbc.ca - Enzyme structure cracks HIV puzzle
Friday, November 6, 2009
HIV virus and gene therapy
Gene therapy had a success this week due to the HIV virus. Two young boys have been treated for ALD, a brain disease, with a modified HIV virus.
From the New York Times article, After Setbacks, Small Successes for Gene Therapy:
Here is the complete New York Times article and ScienceNow article.
From the New York Times article, After Setbacks, Small Successes for Gene Therapy:
The new approach involved using HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, to insert genes, modifying the virus first so it could not cause disease.
“We were scared, of course,” said Dr. Naldini, who was working on the virus in the laboratory of Dr. Inder M. Verma at the Salk Institute. But he reasoned that if he could remove enough H.I.V. genes to make it safe, the modified virus could work.
It solved the efficiency problem — the modified AIDS virus added genes to 15 percent of cells. And researchers believe it solved the cancer problem. The virus had less chance of turning on genes that could lead to cancer.
Ms. Salzman’s son had a bone marrow transplant. Her sister’s older boy died of ALD, and her younger son underwent a bone marrow transplant but had complications from the procedure and now, successfully treated for ALD, is in a wheelchair from side effects of the transplant.
Dr. Aubourg has also treated a third boy with ALD, and he is doing well, but it is too soon to know if his disease has been arrested.
“We have to be cautious — very, very cautious,” Dr. Aubourg said. “But this is the first time that a very serious disease of the brain, a lethal disease of the brain, has been treated with success by gene therapy.”
Here is the complete New York Times article and ScienceNow article.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Recent medical breakthroughs in the fight against HIV/AIDS
Are microbicides the condom of the future?
Micro…what?
Microbicides are a protective material inserted into the vagina or rectum prior to intercourse. Microbicides can come in the form of gels, creams, suppositories, films, or as a sponge or ring and release an active ingredient that is designed to destroy microbes (bacteria and viruses) or to reduce their ability to establish an infection.
To date, efforts to develop a microbicide that effectively prevents the transmission of HIV in real world situations have failed. Factors from application to storage have stymied researchers. Despite these stumbling blocks, scientists and researchers are just beginning to see the potential of microbicide technology and already medical breakthroughs have taken place. The latest one occurred earlier this month at the University of Utah.
What is it?
A new kind of microbicidal "molecular condom". Before sex, women insert a vaginal gel that turns semisolid in the presence of semen, trapping HIV particles in a microscopic mesh so they can't infect vaginal cells. The gel will potentially block sperm and other STI viruses. In addition to preventing STI/HIV transmission, this gel could act as a contraceptive.
When was it discovered?
August 2009
Who is doing the research?
Dr Kiser, Dr Jay and other University of Utah scientists. The study was funded by National Institutes of Health. The University of Utah research team is continuing the effort to develop microbicides to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Why is this groundbreaking?
The discovery of the new “molecular condom” is groundbreaking because of how it prevents transmission, how it is applied, the social implications, and the low cost to produce.
How does it work?
It is the first vaginal gel designed to prevent the movement of the HIV virus rather then trying to kill the virus. The barrier would last until the end of the virus’s lifecycle. Researcher’s are hopeful that this will be a better strategy to approach HIV, a very fragile virus which cannot live long without a host.
Unlike other microbicides which have to be taken right before sex, this new microbicide technology would be applied once a day or even once a month.
What is the cost to produce?
The cost to produce a male condom is approximately three cents, a female condom is 60 cents. Dr. Kiser has sated that the “molecular condom” should cost no more than five cents for each dose, with a shelf price comparable to male condoms. How long until this treatment is available? It is still around 5 years away from being tested in humans. Researchers estimate 10 years before it might be in widespread use.
Other issues:
Because this microbicide doesn’t need to be applied right before sex, women are able to take control of their own prevention strategies. This is especially helpful for women living in third-world countries where HIV/AIDS is widespread and they are not able to access condoms or successfully negotiate condom use with sexual partners.
Unfortunately, this product is designed only for protection during vaginal intercourse. The product would not effectively prevent transmission of HIV/STI’s that occur during anal or oral sex.
For more on this study:
BBC
Utah Engineering
The Globe and Mail
Micro…what?
Microbicides are a protective material inserted into the vagina or rectum prior to intercourse. Microbicides can come in the form of gels, creams, suppositories, films, or as a sponge or ring and release an active ingredient that is designed to destroy microbes (bacteria and viruses) or to reduce their ability to establish an infection.
To date, efforts to develop a microbicide that effectively prevents the transmission of HIV in real world situations have failed. Factors from application to storage have stymied researchers. Despite these stumbling blocks, scientists and researchers are just beginning to see the potential of microbicide technology and already medical breakthroughs have taken place. The latest one occurred earlier this month at the University of Utah.
What is it?
A new kind of microbicidal "molecular condom". Before sex, women insert a vaginal gel that turns semisolid in the presence of semen, trapping HIV particles in a microscopic mesh so they can't infect vaginal cells. The gel will potentially block sperm and other STI viruses. In addition to preventing STI/HIV transmission, this gel could act as a contraceptive.
When was it discovered?
August 2009
Who is doing the research?
Dr Kiser, Dr Jay and other University of Utah scientists. The study was funded by National Institutes of Health. The University of Utah research team is continuing the effort to develop microbicides to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Why is this groundbreaking?
The discovery of the new “molecular condom” is groundbreaking because of how it prevents transmission, how it is applied, the social implications, and the low cost to produce.
How does it work?
It is the first vaginal gel designed to prevent the movement of the HIV virus rather then trying to kill the virus. The barrier would last until the end of the virus’s lifecycle. Researcher’s are hopeful that this will be a better strategy to approach HIV, a very fragile virus which cannot live long without a host.
Unlike other microbicides which have to be taken right before sex, this new microbicide technology would be applied once a day or even once a month.
What is the cost to produce?
The cost to produce a male condom is approximately three cents, a female condom is 60 cents. Dr. Kiser has sated that the “molecular condom” should cost no more than five cents for each dose, with a shelf price comparable to male condoms. How long until this treatment is available? It is still around 5 years away from being tested in humans. Researchers estimate 10 years before it might be in widespread use.
Other issues:
Because this microbicide doesn’t need to be applied right before sex, women are able to take control of their own prevention strategies. This is especially helpful for women living in third-world countries where HIV/AIDS is widespread and they are not able to access condoms or successfully negotiate condom use with sexual partners.
Unfortunately, this product is designed only for protection during vaginal intercourse. The product would not effectively prevent transmission of HIV/STI’s that occur during anal or oral sex.
For more on this study:
BBC
Utah Engineering
The Globe and Mail
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Recent Canadian led medical breakthroughs in the fight against HIV/AIDS
This Canadian medical breakthrough deals with a vaccine that can prevent people from becoming infected with the virus and additionally could provide a therapeutic function for people living with the virus.
What is it?
A vaccine that may provide immunity to HIV
When?
This vaccine has been 20 years in the making and could go for human trails as early as October 2009
Who is developing it?
The vaccine was developed by University of Western Ontario professor Dr. Chil-Yong Kang, who is being supported by Sumagen Canada Inc.
Why is this groundbreaking?
Although vaccines have been protecting people against viruses since 1798 when the first smallpox vaccine became available, there hasn’t been a vaccine to protect human populations against HIV.
In simple terms vaccines are produced by taking a virus, killing it, and injecting it into your bloodstream. Your immune system recognizes the virus and makes antibodies to defend against future attacks. However, the vaccination process with HIV was a great deal more difficult then a simple procedure.
The Canadian vaccine may soon be approved for testing in the United States. There are 27 other vaccines for HIV/AIDS being tested on people currently.
What separates the new Canadian vaccine from the rest is that it does not use purified pieces of the pathogen -- known as antigens, but instead uses a genetically modified whole virus. Finding the right mutation has been the product of 20 years of research at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.
If successful, the vaccine will prompt the body to produce antibodies to prevent the virus from infecting cells, and prime T-cells to launch a ground war and destroy any cells harboring the virus.
The vaccine has already been tested on monkeys and rats without any identified adverse effects or safety risks
How long until this treatment is available?
If approved, the human testing for the vaccine will have two phases: The first will test its safety; the second will test how much of an immune response the vaccine stimulates. Even if approval is granted, it will likely take years before results from the human trials can be completed.
Possible issues:
Animals don't get AIDS the same way humans do, so it is difficult to determine whether new vaccines show any promise.
For more information:
CTV- HIV vaccine makers ready for human testing
Calgary Herald- Canadian-made HIV vaccine close to human trial
London Free Press- AIDs vaccine research nears tests on humans
What is it?
A vaccine that may provide immunity to HIV
When?
This vaccine has been 20 years in the making and could go for human trails as early as October 2009
Who is developing it?
The vaccine was developed by University of Western Ontario professor Dr. Chil-Yong Kang, who is being supported by Sumagen Canada Inc.
Why is this groundbreaking?
Although vaccines have been protecting people against viruses since 1798 when the first smallpox vaccine became available, there hasn’t been a vaccine to protect human populations against HIV.
In simple terms vaccines are produced by taking a virus, killing it, and injecting it into your bloodstream. Your immune system recognizes the virus and makes antibodies to defend against future attacks. However, the vaccination process with HIV was a great deal more difficult then a simple procedure.
The Canadian vaccine may soon be approved for testing in the United States. There are 27 other vaccines for HIV/AIDS being tested on people currently.
What separates the new Canadian vaccine from the rest is that it does not use purified pieces of the pathogen -- known as antigens, but instead uses a genetically modified whole virus. Finding the right mutation has been the product of 20 years of research at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.
If successful, the vaccine will prompt the body to produce antibodies to prevent the virus from infecting cells, and prime T-cells to launch a ground war and destroy any cells harboring the virus.
The vaccine has already been tested on monkeys and rats without any identified adverse effects or safety risks
How long until this treatment is available?
If approved, the human testing for the vaccine will have two phases: The first will test its safety; the second will test how much of an immune response the vaccine stimulates. Even if approval is granted, it will likely take years before results from the human trials can be completed.
Possible issues:
Animals don't get AIDS the same way humans do, so it is difficult to determine whether new vaccines show any promise.
For more information:
CTV- HIV vaccine makers ready for human testing
Calgary Herald- Canadian-made HIV vaccine close to human trial
London Free Press- AIDs vaccine research nears tests on humans
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Recent Canadian led medical breakthroughs in the fight against HIV/AIDS
Although 2009 is just half over, already a number of important medical breakthroughs have occurred in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with some of the most groundbreaking studies coming out of Canada.
The first Canadian medical breakthrough of the year came this spring. The research focused on finding where HIV is hiding in the body and how to attack HIV’s hiding places using chemotherapy and current Highly Active Retroviral (HAART) treatments.
What is it?
A new way of attacking HIV
When was it discovered?
Spring 2009
Why is this groundbreaking?
One of the largest issues with combating HIV, is that it establishes a hideout within specific cells (known as an HIV reservoirs), making the virus almost impossible for current antiretroviral drugs to target and kill.
In the study, the researchers were able to identify HIV reservoir cells and the stealthy mechanisms that protect them. In short they found HIV’s hideout in the body.
The researchers further learned that when the HIV virus hides within reservoir cells, it can no longer survive without the cell. As a result, if the problematic cell dies, so does the virus resident within it.
Because scientists know where the virus is they believe they can now target and attack the infected cells using antiretroviral drugs and chemotherapy while giving the body a chance to produce new healthy immune cells.
Who is doing the research?
Dr. Rafick-Pierre Sékaly, of the Université de Montréal. Dr. Jean-Pierre Routy of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of Minnesota in the United States
How long until this treatment is available?
A study will begin in September to test the validity of these results. If targeted chemotherapy successfully eliminates HIV, researchers say the feasibility of the treatment will be determined over the next two to three years, with medication becoming available a few years after that.
Possible issues:
Some HIV-positive patients do not respond to antiretroviral therapy. For those patients, zapping the cell will not likely yield any significant results.
For more on this study:
Science Daily - New Weapon In The War Against HIV-AIDS: Combined Antiviral And Targeted Chemotherapy
Health News - No More Hiding for Virus Causing AIDS-HIV
Ottawa Citizen - Treatment of HIV 'sanctuary' cells creates path for possible cure: researchers
Study Abstract
The first Canadian medical breakthrough of the year came this spring. The research focused on finding where HIV is hiding in the body and how to attack HIV’s hiding places using chemotherapy and current Highly Active Retroviral (HAART) treatments.
What is it?
A new way of attacking HIV
When was it discovered?
Spring 2009
Why is this groundbreaking?
One of the largest issues with combating HIV, is that it establishes a hideout within specific cells (known as an HIV reservoirs), making the virus almost impossible for current antiretroviral drugs to target and kill.
In the study, the researchers were able to identify HIV reservoir cells and the stealthy mechanisms that protect them. In short they found HIV’s hideout in the body.
The researchers further learned that when the HIV virus hides within reservoir cells, it can no longer survive without the cell. As a result, if the problematic cell dies, so does the virus resident within it.
Because scientists know where the virus is they believe they can now target and attack the infected cells using antiretroviral drugs and chemotherapy while giving the body a chance to produce new healthy immune cells.
Who is doing the research?
Dr. Rafick-Pierre Sékaly, of the Université de Montréal. Dr. Jean-Pierre Routy of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of Minnesota in the United States
How long until this treatment is available?
A study will begin in September to test the validity of these results. If targeted chemotherapy successfully eliminates HIV, researchers say the feasibility of the treatment will be determined over the next two to three years, with medication becoming available a few years after that.
Possible issues:
Some HIV-positive patients do not respond to antiretroviral therapy. For those patients, zapping the cell will not likely yield any significant results.
For more on this study:
Science Daily - New Weapon In The War Against HIV-AIDS: Combined Antiviral And Targeted Chemotherapy
Health News - No More Hiding for Virus Causing AIDS-HIV
Ottawa Citizen - Treatment of HIV 'sanctuary' cells creates path for possible cure: researchers
Study Abstract
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Canadian Scientists Find a Clue in the Battle Against HIV
In the Monday, June 23rd edition of the Calgary Herald an article appeared about a new way way to fight and, as the writer puts it, possibly eradicate HIV.
The article can be found here:
Treatment of HIV 'sanctuary' cells creates path for possible cures: researchers
Though it will take years more research to see if their theories come to anything, the group of Canadian scientists sound upbeat to have finally found a clue.
The article can be found here:
Treatment of HIV 'sanctuary' cells creates path for possible cures: researchers
Though it will take years more research to see if their theories come to anything, the group of Canadian scientists sound upbeat to have finally found a clue.