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Current HIV basic science research topics. Dr. Dimitrios Vatakis. Host restriction factors. Host restriction factors. Naturally occurring proteins in cells that are resistant to the virus Identified to block certain steps of the virus life cycle
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Current HIV basic science research topics Dr. DimitriosVatakis
Host restriction factors • Naturally occurring proteins in cells that are resistant to the virus • Identified to block certain steps of the virus life cycle • Quite popular as they have the potential to develop into new therapies against HIV • Most recent one – SAMHD1 • Once HIV enters the cells it immediately seizes its molecular material to reproduce like the building blocks to make virus DNA. • SAMHD1 will damage these building bocks preventing virus replication
Blocking molecules • CXCL4 or PF-4, binds to HIV and prevents attachment to or entry into a human cell • AIDS researchers isolate new potent and broadly effective antibodies against HIV • http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817130959.htm
Berlin Patient Also known as Timothy Brown. Many years on HAART until he developed lymphoma. Stem cells transplants from a matched donor, homozygous for the CCR5∆32 mutation. He is not on HAART anymore, and free of virus. Long-Term Control of HIV by CCR5 Delta32/Delta32 Stem-Cell Transplantation. N Engl J Med 2009; 360:692-698 On July 3… Researcher Reports Two HIV Patients Showing No Signs of Virus in Wake of Stem-Cell Transplants The patients underwent reduced intensity chemotherapy followed by stem-cell transplants. No sign of rebound yet. http://www.amfar.org/amfar-researcher-reports-two-hiv-patients-showing-no-signs-virus-wake-stem-cell-transplants-cure-research/
Toddler "Functionally Cured" of HIV Infection • First well-documented case of an HIV infected child that appears to be functionally cured • Born prematurely in Mississippi to an HIV infected mother (no HAART) • The infant was put on liquid therapy at 30 hours of age and kept on drugs until 18 months of age • Tests revealed undetectable viral RNA, no anti-HIV antibodies, very low viral DNA levels • As of today the child is still off drugs http://www.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2013/Pages/toddlerfunctionallycured.aspx