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From Science:
AIDS RESEARCH: Earmark draws criticism, creates confusion
In last-minute negotiations over the 2004 U.S. federal budget, U.S. Representative Bill Young (R-FL) added a curious $10 million earmark for European AIDS vaccine research that has scientists and policymakers scratching their heads.
— By Jon Cohen.
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HIV-1-suppressive factors are secreted by CD4+ T cells during primary immune responses
Some HIV-1-specific CD4+ T cells escape infection by unknown mechanisms. Researchers in Baltimore have shown that soluble suppressive factors are produced against CXCR4 and CCR5 isolates of HIV-1 during the primary immune response of human CD4+ T cells, which could be an important consideration in the design of vaccines against HIV-1. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, published online before print December 1, 2003.
Transfer of neutralizing IgG to macaques 6 h after SHIV infection confers sterilizing protection
Sterilizing protection was achieved in three of four macaques receiving neutralizing IgG 6 h (but not 24 h) after intravenous SIV/HIV chimeric virus inoculation. The fourth animal was protected for over 4 weeks. These results suggest broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) generated by a vaccine must remain at, or rapidly achieve, high levels within a relatively short period after exposure to the virus. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, published online before print November 19, 2003.
Prevention: Partner counseling and referral services to identify persons with undiagnosed HIV — North Carolina, 2001
Voluntary partner counseling and referral services (PCRS) help HIV-infected persons notify sex and needle-sharing partners of their need for HIV testing, enabling partners to receive early care and prevention counseling. To evaluate the success of these services in North Carolina, the U.S. CDC analyzed PCRS data collected in 2001 by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 52(48);1181-1184, December 5, 2003. Free full-text article.
Prevention: Female-condom use in a gender-specific family planning clinic trial
Female-condom use was evaluated among women participating in an HIV/STD intervention designed to reduce unprotected sex and expand prevention strategies. Gender sensitive cognitive-behavioral interventions can influence women to try the female condom — the first and only female-initiated barrier method. American Journal of Public Health 93(11), 1897, November 2003.
Innate immunity: Increased NK cell activity in HIV-1-exposed but uninfected Vietnamese intravascular drug users
NK cell lytic activities against both the NK-susceptible K562 cell line and the NK-resistant Daudi cell line were significantly augmented in exposed uninfected (EU) intravascular drug users (IDUs) compared with either controls or seroconverters before or after seroconversion. This finding supports the hypothesis that NK cells contribute to the protection against HIV-1 infection. Journal of Immunology 171, 5663, 1 December 2003.
AIDS epidemic update — December 2003
The global AIDS epidemic shows no signs of abating. Five million people became infected with HIV worldwide and 3 million died this year alone — the highest ever. The findings are featured in a comprehensive new report on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic issued by UNAIDS and WHO. Free full-text report.
US: Increases in HIV diagnoses — 29 states, 1999-2002
This report summarizes the results of a study, which indicated that HIV diagnoses increased among men, particularly men who have sex with men, and also among non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics. The findings emphasize the need for new prevention strategies to reverse potential increases in HIV transmission among these populations. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 52(47), 1145, 28 November 2003. Free full-text article.
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