What are HIV and AIDS?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) weakens the body's immune defenses by destroying CD4 (T-cell) lymphocytes.
CD4 lymphocytes are a group of white blood cells that normally help guard against attacks by bacteria, viruses,
and other germs by coordinating the immune system. When HIV destroys CD4 lymphocytes, the body becomes vulnerable
to many different types of opportunistic infections that invade the body because its immune defenses are weak. The
entire spectrum of symptoms and illnesses that can happen when HIV infection significantly depletes immune defenses
is called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
For information on symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention click
here.
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Research News
Featuring HMS and Affiliated Hospitals
Novel
Genetics Research advances possibility of HIV vaccine.
HIV
Infection Appears to increase the risk of heart attack.
Effective
HIV Control may depend on which viral protein is
targeted.
HIV and Hepatits C Study examines impact of infection
with both.
Inherited
Factors may affect early-stage immune system control.
The Mystery
of Natural HIV Control Study will examine genetics
and immune systems.
AIDS
Vaccine Research Offers New Insights Subpopulation of T-cells provides immunity and promotes survival.
Study
offers new hope for preventive vaccine.
Novel
Candidate Vaccine Vector Reported
Elusive HIV Shape Change Revealed
Key clue to how virus infects cells.
Study
Finds Protein Can Drive Immune Cells Away
Natural
Blocker of HIV-1 Virus
Researchers have identified a protein in monkeys that blocks infection
by HIV-1.
>More Research News
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Research Stories
From the Harvard University Gazette
Battling
AIDS in Brazil:
A message of hope.
Exercise Boosts Health of HIV-infected Women
Dramatic physical, mental improvement seen.
Study: Hope Alive for AIDS Vaccine
HSPH Finds AIDS Drugs Work Well in Botswana
Regime effective without extensive health infrastructure.
New
AIDS Vaccine Tested in U.S., Africa
Tests of a new vaccine against the AIDS virus are being launched
simulta-neously in the United States and southern Africa.
>More HU Gazette
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Scientific
Reports
From HMS Faculty Newsletter Focus
Sugar
Receptor on brain immune cells gums up viral infection.
Drug
Can Protect Mothers and Babies
New study examines timing of dosage.
Masked Vector Rides Past Immune Defense
Tested in animals, chimeric vaccine carrier heads
toward clinical trial.
Brain
Injury Reversed in Animal Model
Damage from other disorders may also be reversible.
AIDS
and Isolation Among the Navajo
Genetic
Battleground Marked between HIV and host.
Prevention
May Double Effectiveness of global HIV/AIDS treatment.
Multivitamins
Can Delay Onset of AIDS Results of an eight-year study look promising.
Priming
Cellular Pathway May Lead To New Vaccines Dendritic
cells could be turned toward smarter T cell activation.
>More Research
Reports
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HMS Division of AIDS
