Hiv cure latest news 2018

Here are some of the latest news and updates on HIV cure research as of 2018:

Breakthroughs:

  1. HIV remission in "Berlin Patient": In 2018, researchers reported that a man known as the "Berlin Patient" had been in sustained remission from HIV for over 12 years after receiving a stem cell transplant from a donor with a rare genetic mutation that confers natural resistance to HIV. This case has been hailed as a major breakthrough in HIV cure research.
  2. HIV cure using gene editing: Scientists have made progress in using gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the CCR5 gene, which is a key receptor used by HIV to enter human cells. This approach has shown promise in reducing HIV viral load and potentially leading to a cure.
  3. HIV cure using stem cells: Researchers have been exploring the use of stem cells to treat HIV. In 2018, a study published in the journal Nature Medicine reported that stem cells from umbilical cord blood can be used to treat HIV-infected individuals and potentially lead to a cure.

Clinical Trials:

  1. HIV cure clinical trials: Several clinical trials are currently underway to test new HIV cure strategies, including the use of gene editing, stem cells, and other approaches. These trials aim to determine the safety and efficacy of these new treatments.
  2. HIV remission trial: In 2018, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched a clinical trial to test a new approach to achieving HIV remission. The trial involves using a combination of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to fight HIV.

Research Updates:

  1. HIV latency: Researchers have made progress in understanding the mechanisms of HIV latency, which is a key obstacle to curing HIV. Latency refers to the ability of HIV to remain dormant in the body, making it difficult to eradicate.
  2. HIV reservoirs: Scientists have identified several HIV reservoirs, including the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and the central nervous system (CNS), which are thought to be important sites for HIV persistence.
  3. HIV cure biomarkers: Researchers are working to develop biomarkers that can detect HIV cure or remission. This could help identify individuals who are likely to respond to HIV cure therapies.

Funding and Support:

  1. NIH funding: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has committed significant funding to HIV cure research, with a focus on developing new treatments and therapies.
  2. Global HIV cure initiative: In 2018, the Global HIV Cure Initiative was launched to accelerate HIV cure research and development. The initiative brings together researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to advance HIV cure research.

These are just a few of the latest news and updates on HIV cure research as of 2018. While significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve a cure for HIV.