Researchers at Oxford University have launched the first phase of clinical trials of a new HIV vaccine called HIVconsvX. Scientists hope that the drug will be effective against all strains of the virus. The vaccine is being developed as part of the European HIV Vaccine Initiative, which aims to study how inducing T-cell antibodies and targeting them to vulnerable clusters of HIV can help fight infection. Previously, HIV vaccines were developed to induce antibodies to B cells. Scientists plan to report the results by April 2022.

The developers used bioinformatics to find out which parts of HIV proteins are less prone to mutations (and, consequently, to escape from immunity) and incorporated them into the vaccine. T-cells, "feeling" these areas, "remember" them and when they encounter a real virus, they will quickly destroy the infected cells.

In the course of research, scientists will evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of the vaccine. At the initial stage of the experiment, the first dose of HIV vaccine will be given to 13 HIV-negative participants aged 18 to 65 years who are not at high risk of HIV infection. An additional dose will be given in four weeks. At later stages, scientists plan to involve people living with HIV to participate in the experiment. Similar tests will be conducted in Europe, Africa and the United States.

According to the University of Oxford, the developed vaccine will be the "best solution" to eradicate the AIDS epidemic. "Even in the context of enhanced antiretroviral treatment and prevention, the HIV vaccine remains the best option and is likely to be a key element of the AIDS eradication program," said Tomasz Hanke, a professor of immunology at the Jenner Institute and lead researcher.

"An effective HIV vaccine has been elusive for 40 years. This is the first trial in a series of evaluations of this new vaccination strategy in both HIV-negative people for prevention and in people living with HIV for treatment, ”said Paola Chiccone, a senior fellow at the Jenner Institute at Oxford University.

The study authors explained that other potential HIV vaccines have tried to boost a patient's antibodies through B cells, but HIVconsvX activates the body's T cells, which have a powerful ability to kill pathogens. They are aimed at attacking the weak points of the virus.

The University of Oxford also participated in the development of a vaccine against coronavirus, together with AstraZeneca. The success of the COVID-19 vaccine also inspired them to develop an HIV vaccine.

Source: https://www.pharmalive.com/oxford-researchers-commence-trials-for-potential-wide-spectrum-hiv-vaccine

On July 28-30, a training for doctors of hospitals of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was held in Kharkiv by representatives of the International Institute for HIV / AIDS and Tuberculosis. 17 medical workers from Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Chasovy Yar and Lysychansk took part in the training. The main purpose of the event was to improve skills in HIV counseling and testing using rapid multitests.

Experts who have been working in the field of combating the spread of HIV / AIDS in Ukraine for many years were involved in the training, including Natalia Kozhan, a lecturer at the Shupik's National University of Health of Ukraine, a microbiologist in the laboratory department of the National Military Laboratory. -Medical Clinical Center "Main Military Clinical Hospital" Olga Stas, doctor of the highest category of the Kharkiv Regional Council "Regional Clinical Center for AIDS Prevention and Control" Kozhevnikova Irina and military chaplain Sergei Dmitriev.

Participants of theoretical and practical classes discussed the epidemiology of HIV infection; counseling on HIV treatment; a comprehensive package of services provided to HIV-positive people; dispensary supervision of HIV-infected persons, methods and algorithms of treatment of HIV / AIDS and opportunistic diseases. In addition, all participants trained in practice to conduct pre- and post-test counseling.

For reference: the event was implemented within the PEPFAR project "HIV / AIDS Prevention in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: testing and counseling, reducing the risk of infection on the battlefield."

On August 6, the International NGO "International Institute of HIV / AIDS and Tuberculosis" with the assistance of the Department of Civil-Military Cooperation of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for servicemen of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Mariupol held a training on "HIV/AIDS, the rights and responsibilities of people living with HIV, stigma and discrimination".

The main objectives of such trainings remain unchanged - to raise the level of awareness of servicemen on HIV / AIDS and reduce the risk of spreading the disease among the personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Experts who have been working for many years in the field of combating the spread of HIV / AIDS in Ukraine, including Natalia Kozhan, a lecturer at the PL Shupik National University of Health of Ukraine, and Serhiy Dmytriyev, a military chaplain, were involved in the training.

The issues of the HIV / AIDS epidemic situation in Ukraine and among servicemen were considered during the classes; ways of HIV / AIDS transmission; rights and responsibilities of HIV-infected people; stigma and discrimination, as well as their prevention; spiritual support for HIV-infected servicemen and more.

For reference: the event was implemented within the PEPFAR project "HIV / AIDS Prevention in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: testing and counseling, reducing the risk of infection on the battlefield."

COVID-19 vaccination is actively carried out in the world, including among people living with HIV. Infectious Diseases Practitioner Lyudmyla Kolomiychuk provided answers to popular questions about COVID-19 vaccination for PLHIV.

Should people living with HIV be vaccinated against COVID-19?

Vaccination is important and necessary for everyone and the presence of HIV infection in this case is not a contraindication to vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines bring the same benefits to people living with HIV as to all people without HIV, such as: prevention of severe COVID-19 and the potential for reduced transmission. Vaccination is contraindicated only if there is a high probability of acute allergic reactions.

What do people living with HIV need to know before being vaccinated against COVID-19?

The likelihood of a proper immune response to COVID-19 in people living with HIV depends on the level of their CD-4 cells and viral load. For people living with HIV who have less than 200 CD-4 cells, the likelihood of a proper immune response may be much lower and I, as a doctor, would recommend vaccination with a "non-live" / inactivated vaccine (eg: CoronaVac manufactured by Sinovac Biotech Ltd). However, it should be noted that low CD-4 cell counts are not a contraindication to vaccination.

Which vaccine is better to choose?

The vaccine that is available should be vaccinated. We cannot recommend a single vaccine, as all currently available vaccines in Ukraine have undergone appropriate clinical trials and are safe for the general population. There were no specific adverse reactions to vaccination with any vaccine available in Ukraine among people living with HIV.

Do antiretroviral drugs interact with vaccines?

To date, there is no evidence that antiretroviral drugs increase or worsen the response to the vaccine.

What do people living with HIV need to have in their home medicine cabinet if they have acute side effects from the COVID-19 vaccination?

The effects of vaccines on people living with HIV are still being studied. Adverse reactions after vaccination in people living with HIV do not differ from the general population and in particular may be as follows:

• pain and swelling at the injection site;
• general fatigue and headache;
• fever or chills.

Usually all these side effects do not last longer than a few days. I recommend my patients to have the following remedies in their home medicine cabinet:

• At high temperature: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (For example: Nimesil, Ibuprofen, etc.).
• Drink plenty of water.
• Keep Aspirin Cardio with you to prevent disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome.
• In case of minor allergic reactions use Suprastin.

Be sure to discuss all of the above medications and recommendations with your doctor and do not self-medicate!