 |
|
|
|
January 5th, 2012
10:51 AM ET
Experimental vaccine helps protect monkeys against AIDS-like infectionThe road to a vaccine to protect against HIV and AIDS has run into a lot of dead ends, but a new study in monkeys suggests a new path may have been found. Researchers say two new experimental vaccines partially protected monkeys from an HIV like infection, reducing the likelihood of contracting the disease by 80% to 83%, compared to the placebo. Both studies, published online Wednesday in the journal Nature, tested several Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) vaccine regimens on 40 rhesus monkeys each. Researchers found the vaccines provided some protection to monkeys that were exposed to an extremely virulent, hard to neutralize strain of SIV. Not only did the vaccines reduce the chance of infection, but for monkeys that became infected, it substantially reduced the amount of virus in their blood. "This type of protection in terms of blocking acquisition of this tough virus challenge has not been seen before by any vaccine in this animal model," said Dr. Dan Barouch, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and lead study author. "So I think there is reason to be optimistic; in fact, I think we are more optimistic than ever before about the possibility of an HIV vaccine for humans." Barouch says SIV is very similiar to HIV and will give researchers insight and clues into how to design an HIV vaccine for humans. "Clinical trials have to be done and there's no guarantee, but the SIV model in rhesus monkeys is the best preclinical test of vaccine strategies before embarking on HIV vaccine clinical trials in humans." The dose of the virus used in the animals studies was 100 times more infectious than what is seen in human exposure, according to Barouch. Once vaccinated, the monkeys received multiple exposures to SIV over a certain period of time. Eventually most of them did become infected, but the results are still promising, Barouch tells CNN. "The data show these vaccine candidates achieved better protection in these preclinical models than some previously tested candidates and so therefore we are optimistic in moving the novel lead HIV candidates into clinical trials." The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, conducts and supports HIV vaccine studies around the world. They helped fund the research. "What makes this paper so remarkable is that it represents the first time we've identified the likely correlates for both protection from HIV acquisition and control of viral replication," said Carl Dieffenbach, director of the NIAID Division of AIDS. "This will have important implications for the next round of HIV vaccine clinical trials." Researchers now plan to test a human-adapted version of one of the vaccine combinations in healthy adults here in the U.S. and internationally. Barouch says manufacturing has already begun. “It is not possible to predict how this vaccine will perform in humans, but this study advances our understanding of AIDS pathogenesis and immunity," he says.
Next entry »Olympian Cullen Jones inspires kids to swim
« Previous entryCNN Tri Challenge: Introducing our 2012 team
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
AIDS first affected humans after cross-contaminated from chimps when the SIV virus mutated. Not that we have a common ancestor or anything 😉
Yes we do share a common ancestor. BY THE WAY, whats a creationist doing reading a science related story?
Uh, I think Binky42's comment was tongue-in-cheek, and he/she is well aware that we ARE related to chimpanzees through a common ancestor.
Great display of reading comprehension skills and an understanding of sarcasm. Not to mention completely overlooking the attached emoticon.
Does this mean I can have unprotected S*x with a primate? There is just enough genetic difference between humans and monkeys so that doesn't mean we have a cure for the scourge that is HIV or AIDS!
I'd hope so, considering humans are primates.
Do these tests on the worst of human criminals – not on innocent animals. They would be more accurate.
We tried that with different diseases in the rural south, Guatemala and who knows where else. Yes convicts were used for experimentation too. The 3rd Reich also espoused your belief.
so agree!
Always a possiability it will do more harm than good... I still admire the people that make their lives work, reseach, trying to help others.
They do not do it for free. They stand to make a lot of money if they find a vaccine.
I was in college in 1980 when HIV began to be recognised. Its a good thing it is not very contagious, or it could have been a depopulation or extinction event. We have to be able to make a vaccine in a month, instead of 30 years.
Wrong Earl, it would not have been an extinction event as, unlike cancer, AIDS is a disease that is entirely avoidable if blood products are properly srceened and you put your touque on before sex if your partner hasn't been tested.
Surely thou dost jest?
Entire countries' populations in sub-Saharan Africa risk being wiped out because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
interesting i jus saw the movie rise of the planet apes and its so similar because the people had a disease which was killing humans but it turns out when the monkeys get they some how become smarter and take over the human world.
Yeah I was thinking of that but there's no such thing for brains to create it own cell like creating information.
Spelled Similar wrong (similiar)
HIV positive singles face very difficult challenges when it comes to dating. They have to either date someone with HIV or disclose their HIV status. Disclosing to someone that's HIV- is a terrifying task and finding someone else with HIV. herpesdateonline.com help you Dating and Finding Love for HIV Positive Singles
To all of us who are positive stay strong and don’t let anyone put you down, life is not a rehearsal it is here and now so live the best way you can. Check out herpesdateonline.com, You can know many inspirational story here!You are not alone.
@Jeff You are correct, however testing is not always possible. Nor are condoms. Think of first response personnel to a bloody accident or even hospital workers!
Very good news for the black population
I would think people at high risk, would volunteer. No part of any society should be experimented on against their will, not even inmates/
FOCUS! A CURE HASNT BEEN FOUND JUST A MED TO PUT THE HIV ON HOLD!
FOCUS! A CURE HASNT BEEN FOUND JUST A MED TO PUT THE HIV & AIDS VIRUS ON HOLD!
Reports of vaccine are interesting and optimistic but it should not increase risk behaviour best vaccine is preventive steps
pls decrease the sprdng of hiv/aids.vaccines quickly dedected and safe human lifes.all of u avardnace of hiv/aids.
CTO Networks
http://www.ggNrRfBMCD.com/ggNrRfBMCD