Author: Maher M. Elsheikh Publisher: ISBN: 9780355967555 Category : Languages : en Pages :
Book Description
Persistence of the latent HIV reservoir is the main obstacle in preventing or curing HIV. Even though a combination of antiretroviral therapy (cART) is effective in controlling the virus by suppressing its replication and infectivity to below detection levels, cART cannot eliminate the latent reservoir, and must be taken for life. After encountering HIV, some infected CD4+ T cells revert to a resting state and persist as memory T cells that remain quiescent while containing the stable HIV proviral DNA (latent reservoir). With a stable and long-lived reservoir, HIV remains a global health problem because the proviral DNA is transcriptionally silent but is capable of producing infectious particles when cART is interrupted. According to WHO, more than 34 million people died due to AIDS over the past three decades, and about 37 million are currently living with it. In addition, there are approximately two million new cases each year. HIV-infected individuals do not achieve complete immunologic reconstitution because viral suppression is incomplete, and immune activation occurs chronically. The inability of cART to eradicate HIV from latent viral reservoirs necessitates the development of novel therapeutic approaches to eradicate the virus from infected individuals so that cART can be discontinued. The goal of this work was to investigate innovative experimental approaches to eradicate the latent HIV reservoir by targeting specific molecular mechanisms within the PKC/NF-kB and p-TEFb signaling pathways of HIV-infected resting memory CD4+ T cells involved in viral replication and silencing during the HIV life cycle. This goal was successfully achieved by implementing two independent experimental approaches: 1) Eliminating HIV infected cells by inducing reactivation of latent HIV and targeting the activated cells for apoptosis (sterilizing cure). 2) Inducing permanent silencing of HIV in the latent viral reservoir by shutting down the HIV replication machinery, which could permanently inhibit viral replication in the infected cells (functional cure). Subsequently, we were able to identify latency reactivating agents and apoptosis inducing agents that, when used in combination, dramatically reduced the latent HIV reservoir. We were also able to identify several viral silencing agents (VSA) that target essential cellular and viral proteins within the NF-[kappa]B and PKC signaling pathways in infected cells. These VSAs curtail HIV proviral transcription and elongation, which permanently silence latent HIV for multi-generations. They were also effective in reducing viral transcription. Although our data demonstrated that this combination treatment has great potential as an effective anti-HIV therapy, additional testing using larger sample sizes and multiple latency cell models that target various cell reservoirs is needed in order to demonstrate that this therapy is effective and fully functional against various viral sanctuaries in the human body, and is capable of completely eliminating the reservoir with minimal cytotoxicity. Nevertheless, this was an important initial step to prove that our proposed strategy can be successful and should be evaluated further. This novel treatment strategy has the possibility of eliminating the latent HIV reservoir to achieve a drug-free remission and to cure HIV in the future.
Author: Guido Silvestri Publisher: Springer ISBN: 303002816X Category : Medical Languages : en Pages : 248
Book Description
This volume summarizes recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of HIV-1 latency, in characterizing residual viral reservoirs, and in developing targeted interventions to reduce HIV-1 persistence during antiretroviral therapy. Specific chapters address the molecular mechanisms that govern and regulate HIV-1 transcription and latency; assays and technical approaches to quantify viral reservoirs in humans and animal models; the complex interchange between viral reservoirs and the host immune system; computational strategies to model viral reservoir dynamics; and the development of therapeutic approaches that target viral reservoir cells. With contributions from an interdisciplinary group of investigators that cover a broad spectrum of subjects, from molecular virology to proof-of-principle clinical trials, this book is a valuable resource for basic scientists, translational investigators, infectious-disease physicians, individuals living with HIV/AIDS and the general public.
Author: King K. Holmes Publisher: World Bank Publications ISBN: 1464805253 Category : Medical Languages : en Pages : 1027
Book Description
Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death globally, particularly among children and young adults. The spread of new pathogens and the threat of antimicrobial resistance pose particular challenges in combating these diseases. Major Infectious Diseases identifies feasible, cost-effective packages of interventions and strategies across delivery platforms to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, malaria, adult febrile illness, viral hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases. The volume emphasizes the need to effectively address emerging antimicrobial resistance, strengthen health systems, and increase access to care. The attainable goals are to reduce incidence, develop innovative approaches, and optimize existing tools in resource-constrained settings.
Author: José das Neves Publisher: MDPI ISBN: 3039219006 Category : Medical Languages : en Pages : 208
Book Description
HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the most challenging individual and public health concerns of the present day. According to the UNAIDS, nearly 38 million individuals were living with the infection by the end of 2018, while 1.7 million new cases occurred during that same year. In spite of the numerous advances in the development and delivery of antiretroviral agents, both for treatment and prevention, several challenges remain. This book includes original research and review articles on innovative strategies and approaches for the formulation and delivery of anti-HIV drugs, including genetic material and other biopharmaceuticals. Different local and systemic delivery strategies are addressed based on different technologies intended for oral, transdermal, subcutaneous, vaginal, or rectal administration. Authored by eminent scientists in academia and nonprofit organizations involved in the development of antiretroviral drug products, this collection provides useful information for all those involved in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.
Author: Seth C. Kalichman Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media ISBN: 038779476X Category : Medical Languages : en Pages : 218
Book Description
Paralleling the discovery of HIV and the rise of the AIDS pandemic, a flock of naysayers has dedicated itself to replacing genuine knowledge with destructive misinformation—and spreading from the fringe to the mainstream media and the think tank. Now from the editor of the journal AIDS and Behavior comes a bold exposé of the scientific and sociopolitical forces involved in this toxic evasion. Denying AIDS traces the origins of AIDS dissidents disclaimers during the earliest days of the epidemic and delves into the psychology and politics of the current denial movement in its various incarnations. Seth Kalichman focuses not on the “difficult” or doubting patient, but on organized, widespread forms of denial (including the idea that HIV itself is a myth and HIV treatments are poison) and the junk science, faulty logic, conspiracy theories, and larger forces of homophobia and racism that fuel them. The malignant results of AIDS denial can be seen in those individuals who refuse to be tested, ignore their diagnoses, or reject the treatments that could save their lives. Instead of ignoring these currents, asserts Kalichman, science has a duty to counter them. Among the topics covered: Why AIDS denialism endures, and why science must understand it. Pioneer virus HIV researcher Peter Duesberg’s role in AIDS denialism. Flawed immunological, virological, and pharmacological pseudoscience studies that are central to texts of denialism. The social conservative agenda and the politics of AIDS denial, from the courts to the White House. The impact of HIV misinformation on public health in South Africa. Fighting fiction with reality: anti-denialism and the scientific community. For anyone affected by, interested in, or working with researchers in HIV/AIDS, and public health professionals in general, the insight and vision of Denying AIDS will inspire outrage, discussion, and ultimately action. See http://denyingaids.blogspot.com/ for more information.
Author: World Health Organization Publisher: ISBN: 9789241549684 Category : AIDS (Disease) Languages : en Pages : 429
Book Description
These guidelines provide guidance on the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection and the care of people living with HIV. They are structured along the continuum of HIV testing, prevention, treatment and care. This edition updates the 2013 consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs following an extensive review of evidence and consultations in mid-2015, shared at the end of 2015, and now published in full in 2016. It is being published in a changing global context for HIV and for health more broadly.
Author: Jerome Groopman Publisher: Penguin Books ISBN: 014312224X Category : Health & Fitness Languages : en Pages : 322
Book Description
Drs. Groopman and Hartzband reveal a clear path for making the right medical choices. Such factors as authority figures, statistics, other patients' stories, technology, and natural healing are key factors that shape choices.
Author: Alireza Minagar Publisher: Nova Publishers ISBN: 9781594546105 Category : AIDS (Disease) Languages : en Pages : 280
Book Description
During the past two decades, the world scientific community has witnessed major achievements in our understanding of the pathogenesis of HIV infection of the nervous system and HIV-Associated Dementia (HAD). Despite these giant gains, nervous system involvement during AIDS remains a relentlessly progressive disease with a deadly fate in many cases. This book on NeuroAIDS provides a unique resource for both general neurologists as well as basic neuroscientists with profound interests for research on NeuroAIDS. This book has special emphasis on the mechanisms of disease development and progression of HIV-infected patients with NeuroAIDS. The contributors have provided the readers with comprehensive reviews on clinical manifestations of HAD, mechanisms of HIV entry into the central nervous system, the role of cytokines and chemokines in pathogenesis of NeuroAIDS, drug abuse and NeuroAIDS, virus load in HAD, allostasis in HIV and AIDS, stroke in AIDS patients, and neuroimaging of HIV infection of the central nervous system. In addition, there are chapters on Varicella Zoster virus infection of HIV-seropositive and AIDS patients, as well as the molecular basis for opioids and AIDS virus interactions.
Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations. Subcommittee on the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Publisher: ISBN: Category : United States Languages : en Pages : 1084