Researchers look ahead to AIDS meeting

Article Abstract:

Although attention has focused on the possible disruption by activists of the Sixth International AIDS Conference (to be held in San Francisco in June 1990), the scientific aspects of the conference also deserve mention. No big breakthroughs have emerged, but steady progress against HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS) is being made. One step was the discovery that rhesus monkeys can be protected against infection with SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus, related to HIV) by inoculation with a virus made from whole killed SIV particles. A whole-virus HIV preparation could be dangerous in humans, however; but other work has shown that vaccination with viral proteins or protein fragments might work. Chimpanzees have apparently been protected against HIV infection by vaccination with part of the viral coat (the 'envelope' that surrounds the virus). Problems exist with the real-world virus, however, that do not exist in the laboratory. HIV is variable, and vaccination must protect against many strains. In addition, a vaccine must work against cell-associated forms of the virus (after it has entered cells). This is usually done by inoculating with live, attenuated (weakened) viruses, an approach considered too risky where AIDS is concerned. The three drugs currently used for treating AIDS are AZT (zidovudine), DDI, and DDC (the latter two are still considered experimental). Although all cause major side effects, it now appears that lower doses may be effective against AIDS, which would reduce the risk of side effects. All three agents inhibit reverse transcriptase, an enzyme (protein) that enables HIV to replicate. Drugs with different ways of acting are under development, including alpha-interferon. This substance appears to slow the development of disease in HIV-infected people who do not yet show symptoms. The conference is also expected to throw light on the origin of HIV: a chimpanzee virus has been found that is more closely related to the virus that causes AIDS than any other candidate discovered thus far. This does not necessarily explain its entry into the human species, however. Slowly, too slowly for the activists in San Francisco, AIDS is giving up its secrets. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

HIV infection, HIV infections

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AIDS meeting: unexpected progress

Article Abstract:

The Sixth International Conference on AIDS turned out better than the organizers of the conference had hoped. Not only did feared protests by AIDS activists fail to materialize, but the scientists at the conference had several exciting new findings to discuss. One of the new findings involved a gene of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the AIDS virus. This gene, called Nef, seems to affect how HIV grows in culture, but its function and the reason for its presence has been unknown. However, it now seems that Nef has something to do with the tropism of HIV. Viruses commonly have tropisms, which means they preferentially infect some types of cells over others. Curiously, AIDS patients sometimes harbor different sets of HIV with tropisms for different tissues, even within the same individual. Research has shown that these variants of HIV with different tropisms have different Nef genes. Furthermore, when the Nef gene from one type is genetically engineered into an HIV of another, the resulting virus takes on the tropism of the Nef donor. Other results presented at the conference related to drug therapy for AIDS. Researchers have known that the AIDS virus builds up resistance to the drug AZT. However, they have now found that this drug resistance builds up more slowly among early, asymptomatic patients then among patients with advanced disease. This reemphasizes the potential values of early treatment. AZT is also known to have a low therapeutic index, which means that the amount of AZT necessary to be effective is very close to the amount which is toxic. Researchers also revealed that another drug, called dideoxycytidine (ddC) might provide a way around this problem. By alternating doses of AZT and ddC, greater benefits can be achieved than with either drug alone, and fewer toxic side effects have been observed. Other advances in drug therapy included the identification of TIBO derivatives as potential anti-AIDS drugs. TIBO derivatives, or compounds related to tetrahydro-imidazo-benzodiazopinone, were shown to be five times more powerful than AZT in the inhibition of the AIDS virus. However, researchers caution that it is too early to draw any conclusions about these promising drugs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Drug therapy, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Genetic aspects, editorial

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AIDS conference: science or circus?

Article Abstract:

Plans for the Sixth International AIDS Conference in San Francisco, to be held in June 1990, have generated considerable controversy among AIDS activists. A boycott has been called because of the United States government's policy of restricting entry of HIV-infected people into the country. Conference organizers claim that the maximum number of participants have registered, some 10,000 to 12,000. However, the Gay Pride parade, scheduled for the last day of the meeting, is expected to draw more than 100,000 supporters. Its organizers hope marchers will picket the conference. In fact, the founder of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), Larry Kramer, has called for a 'massive disruption'. The group as a whole eschews violence, however. Conference organizers have attempted to include the activists' views in the program, which include anger over drug policy. Funds have been provided to allow 375 HIV-infected people to attend. But some researchers believe this AIDS conference is too large, and that more useful meetings are of the type held in April 1990; only 600 attended that conference. One problem with the larger meeting is its attempt to include research reports on all aspects of AIDS, including basic and clinical science, and policy considerations. Organizers have considering splitting the conference, but also realize the importance of communication among all researchers. Overall, discontent with the meeting format has been expressed from virtually all sides. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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