immune system

Simplifying HIV Treatment: A Surprising New Lead

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Reblogged from the NIH Director's Blog.

The surprising results of an animal study are raising hopes for a far simpler treatment regimen for people infected with the AIDS-causing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Currently, HIV-infected individuals can live a near normal life span if, every day, they take a complex combination of drugs called antiretroviral therapy (ART). The bad news is if they stop ART, the small amounts of HIV that still lurk in their bodies can bounce back and infect key immune cells, called CD4 T cells, resulting in life-threatening suppression of their immune systems.

Toward an AIDS-Free Generation: Can Antibodies Help?

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Reblogged from the NIH Director's Blog.

This year, an estimated 50,000 Americans will learn they have been newly infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. A new generation of safe, effective, and longer-lasting treatments to keep HIV in check is very much needed.

Taking a “Moonshot” at Cancer

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

In his recent State of the Union address, President Barack Obama called America to action and asserted that our researchers can find the cure for cancer, a sentiment that received a standing ovation. We believe that Obama is right.

Why Study Vitamin A Deficiency?

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Widely acknowledged as a key to overall health, the food we eat affects our bodies in ways that are not always clear, all the way down to the molecular level.