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CURE TREATMENT PREVENTION GENERAL

Together we are writing the final chapter of HIV

Publications 

about HIV cure
 
There are a large number of scientific publications about HIV cure research, providing insights into the latest knowledge and developments. 

We have compiled a selection of the most relevant medical and social science articles. Most are in English and use technical terminology. Explanations of commonly used terms can be found in our glossary of terms.
 
Publications
Medical
 
 
Publications 
Social science
 
 
Long-term control of HIV by CCR5 Delta32/Delta32 stem-cell transplantation
 
First HIV cure, Timothy Ray Brown, following a stem-cell transplant from a very unique donor.
 
 
 
Phenotypic signatures of immune selection in HIV-1 reservoir cells 
 
There is evidence that the immune system selects certain HIV-infected cells during long-term antiretroviral therapy (use of medication). These cells therefore become harder to eliminate. 
 
 
Parallel analysis of transcription, integration, and sequence of single HIV-1 proviruses 
 
There is evidence that the HIV reservoir, during long-term antiretroviral therapy (use of medication), becomes increasingly locked into a deeper, latent (dormant) state. 
 
 
Post-treatment HIV-1 controllers with a long-term virological remission after the interruption of early initiated antiretroviral therapy ANRS VISCONTI Study
 
For the first time, a remarkable group of individuals has been described: so-called post-treatment controllers. They initially needed HIV therapy, but were later able to stop treatment without the virus becoming active again. This suggests that a functional cure may be possible. 
 
HIV post-treatment controllers have distinct immunological and virological features 
 
Further research has been conducted into the virus and the immune system of people who, after stopping HIV treatment, are still able to keep the virus under control. These individuals are called “post-treatment controllers.” They show that it is sometimes possible to control HIV without medication. 
 
Pitavastatin for Preventing Cardiovascular Disease in HIV Infection and Treatment of Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions to Prevent Anal Cancer 
 
Two influential studies have changed medical practice. They show that HIV, even when well treated, can still cause lasting damage to the body. This is because HIV is still not curable. These studies highlight why it is important to find a cure. 
 
 
Unmasking Individual and Institutional HIV Stigma in Hospitals: Perspectives of Dutch Healthcare Providers
 
Even in the Netherlands, nearly 90% of healthcare providers still harbor prejudices or unnecessary fears when caring for people with HIV. We refer to such negative ideas as stigmatizing thoughts. This demonstrates how important it is to find a cure for HIV.
 
 
Early intervention with 3BNC117 and romidepsin at antiretroviral treatment initiation in people with HIV-1: a phase 1b/2a, randomized trial
 
There is evidence that a combination of special antibodies and agents that activate dormant HIV can help keep the virus under control after stopping treatment. This is also known as 'post-treatment control' and shows that this approach might work in the future. 
 
The BAF complex inhibitor pyrimethamine reverses HIV-1 latency in people with HIV-1 on antiretroviral therapy 
 
Dutch research conducted the world's first randomized controlled trial (RCT) into the combination of agents that activate dormant HIV. In such a study, participants are randomly divided into different groups. This allows researchers to fairly compare what works and what does not. During this research, it was also discovered that pyrimethamine – a drug already used against malaria – can be safely deployed in the search for a cure for HIV.
 
Beyond community engagement: Perspectives on the meaningful involvement of people with HIV and affected communities (MIPA) in HIV cure research in the Netherlands
 
It is important that people living with HIV and affected communities are involved in thinking about and participating in HIV cure research. This helps keep the research fair and careful. This study looked at how this is done in the Netherlands and what can be improved to increase their involvement.
 
Engagement of HIV-negative MSM and partners of people with HIV in HIV cure (research): Exploring the influence of perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits, and concerns.
 
This study examined how HIV-negative men who have sex with men, and partners of people living with HIV, are involved in HIV cure research. Most considered a cure important, but felt little personal involvement because they perceived themselves to be at low risk.
 
Understanding the perceived necessity and concerns of people with HIV.
 
Many people living with HIV consider a cure important, but feel little personal urgency themselves. Only a few actively participate in research, such as sharing their opinions or joining studies. Others remain hesitant, often due to doubts or concerns about treatment.
 
 
The importance of social engagement in the development of an HIV cure: A systematic review into the perspectives of HIV cure stakeholders
 
Many people have a positive attitude toward HIV cure research, but in practice participate less often. The preference is for a cure that completely eliminates HIV. The study recommends involving a wider range of groups and gaining a better understanding of why people do or do not participate.
 
Dutch research agenda towards an HIV cure
 
This study examined how people living with HIV and at-risk groups without HIV experience the impact of HIV on their lives. People reported both positive aspects, such as gratitude for medication and support from others, and negative experiences, such as side effects, stigma, and difficulties being open about their status. It remains important to support HIV organizations and continue improving treatments.
 
The perceived impact of an HIV cure by people living with HIV and key populations vulnerable to HIV in the Netherlands
 
If an HIV cure becomes available, it will have consequences for people living with HIV and at-risk populations without HIV. This study examined how they think two types of cure (control of the virus without medication or complete removal of HIV) would affect their lives.
 
 
The Expected Impact of HIV Post-Treatment Control and HIV Elimination on Quality of Life, Sexual Satisfaction, and Stigma Among People With HIV and Key Populations 
 
People with HIV and risk groups believe that an HIV cure will improve their lives, particularly in terms of health, sex, and reduced stigma. Young people expect greater improvement than older people. A functional cure, in which the body suppresses the virus itself without medication, is also viewed as a positive option.