Publications by authors named "Liz Barr"

BACKGROUNDIdentifying factors that predict the timing of HIV rebound after treatment interruption will be crucial for designing and evaluating interventions for HIV remission.METHODSWe performed a broad evaluation of viral and immune factors that predict viral rebound (AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5345). Participants initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) during chronic (N = 33) or early (N = 12) HIV infection with ≥ 2 years of suppressive ART and restarted ART if they had 2 viral loads ≥ 1,000 copies/mL after treatment interruption.

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The AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5345 study (NCT03001128) included an intensively monitored antiretroviral pause (IMAP), during which participants living with HIV temporarily stopped antiretroviral treatment (ART) in an effort to identify biomarkers that could predict HIV rebound. We evaluated the potential impact of the IMAP on A5345 study participants in the United States by questioning them immediately after the IMAP and at the end of the study. We administered longitudinal sociobehavioral questionnaires to participants following the IMAP when they resumed ART and at the end of the study.

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Background: Development of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remission strategies requires precise information on time to HIV rebound after treatment interruption, but there is uncertainty regarding whether modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens and timing of ART initiation may affect this outcome.

Methods: AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) A5345 enrolled individuals who initiated ART during chronic or early HIV infection and on suppressive ART for ≥2 years. Participants underwent carefully monitored antiretroviral interruption.

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The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) A5345 study included an intensively monitored antiretroviral pause (IMAP), during which a cohort of participants temporarily stopped antiretroviral treatment during chronic HIV infection. We surveyed participant perceptions and understanding of A5345 using a cross-sectional sociobehavioral questionnaire. Participants completed the baseline questionnaire either before or after initiating the study's IMAP.

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Objectives: In 2018, we surveyed investigators conducting HIV cure-related clinical research, drawing on information from the online listing established by Treatment Action Group (TAG). The purpose of the survey was to facilitate a landscape analysis of the field. In 2019, we fielded a second survey in order to provide updated information and assess any shifts in the landscape.

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Women remain underrepresented in HIV research. The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) 5366 study was the first HIV cure-related trial conducted exclusively in women. Our multidisciplinary team integrated participant-centered reports into the ACTG 5366 protocol to elicit their perspectives.

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Objectives: The community-based organisation Treatment Action Group has established an online listing of HIV cure-related trials and observational studies derived from trial registries. Our objective was to use the listing as a basis for a landscape analysis of the current status of HIV cure-related clinical research.

Methods: Trials and observational studies listed as of August 2018 formed the sample set.

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There are two concurrent and novel major research pathways toward strategies for HIV control: (1) long-acting antiretroviral therapy (ART) formulations and (2) research aimed at conferring sustained ART-free HIV remission, considered a step toward an HIV cure. The importance of perspectives from people living with HIV on the development of new modalities is high, but data are lacking. We administered an online survey in which respondents selected their likelihood of participation or nonparticipation in HIV cure/remission research based on potential risks and perceived benefits of these new modalities.

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The literature on HIV therapeutics research is rife with terminology associating 'sterilisation' with HIV cure. We find connotations of the word 'sterilising' problematic for the HIV cure research field. In this viewpoint, we review associations of sterilising with concepts of disinfection or cleansing, as well as coerced sterilisation.

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Introduction: Distinct biological factors exist that affect the natural history of HIV and the host immune response between women and men. These differences must be addressed to permit the optimal design of effective HIV eradication strategies for much of the HIV-positive population.

Methods And Results: Here, we review the literature on sex-based differences in HIV pathogenesis and natural history in tissues and anatomic compartments, HIV latency and transcriptional activity, and host immunity including the role of sex hormones.

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