Explore the current state of the HIV epidemic and the prospects for developing a vaccine or cure in this comprehensive lecture by Dan Barouch, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Delve into the revolutionary impact of molecular science on vaccine and drug development, examining the challenges posed by HIV's genetic diversity and complex life cycle. Learn about ongoing clinical trials, public health strategies, and cutting-edge research aimed at ending the HIV epidemic. Gain insights into why current drugs fail, how HIV hijacks the human immune system, and the potential of various cure strategies. Understand the disproportionate impact of HIV on young women, prevalence in hyperendemic regions, and the cascade of care in treatment efforts. Discover the latest advancements in HIV vaccines, including the two-pronged approach to vaccine development and the obstacles faced in creating an effective AIDS vaccine. Read more