From the cell to the community: AIDS research in California

Abstract

Between 1981 and 1999, more than 110,00 cases of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been reported in California, of whom nearly 70,000 patients have died. Since 1983, the University of California has funded basic, clinical, social, and behavioral research on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS through the University wide AIDS ResearchProgram (UARP). Major accomplishments of UARP-supported research include the isolation and characterization of HIV, the detection and elimination of HIV in blood clotting factor VIII, and in early studies, the demonstration of the rapid production and turnover of HIV in the blood of infected persons. Together with its advisory group, the University wide Task Force on AIDS, UARP convenes an annual meeting that provides an opportunity for the exchange of new information on HIV/AIDS in California. Participants include bench scientists, clinicians, policymakers, outreach workers, community-based organizations, and members of affected communities. Most of the studies presented at the UARP conference are in their early stages and modestly funded. While some go on to receive larger federal grants, others are quickly integrated into new interventions or investigations. In this issue of wjm, we share highlights of the 3rd AnnualConference on AIDS Research inCalifornia.† The plenarytheme for the year 2000 was “Early Events and Intervention in HIVInfection.” Although the recent and ongoing advances in highly active antiretroviral therapy are well known, the meeting provided a fertile venue for presenting other innovative areas for treatment and prevention.