EDCTP Alumni Network

Fostering excellence and collaboration in the next generation of researchers

Call Senior Fellowship (SF)
Programme EDCTP1
Start Date 2010-03-25
End Date 2014-12-31
Project Code TA.2008.40200.015
Status Completed

Title

Training in mucosal immunity and the evaluation of KIR:nHLA genes in HIV-1 clade c infection: key components to HIV vaccine design

Objectives

To answer questions relating to the role of host HLA and KIR genotype as HLA class I contributes to both the innate and adaptive immune responses

Host Organisation

Institution Country
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) South Africa

Participants

Name Institution Country
S. Ganesh South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) South Africa
Sharika Gappoo South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) South Africa
Thumbi Ndungu University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa South Africa
Thesla Palanee South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) South Africa
Jo-Anne Passmore University of Cape Town (UCT) South Africa
Gita Ramjee South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) South Africa

Study Design

Laboratory analyses of HIV mucosal immunity and KIR:HLA genes

Results & Outcomes

KIR: HLA genotyping was performed on a total of 557 HIV-1 exposed individuals, 142 of whom acquired HIV-1 infection and 415 remained HIV-1 negative over a 2 year period. There was a higher frequency of 2DS2+C1 gene combination in HIV-1 infected individuals compared to HIV-1 exposed seronegative (59%vs48%) and those individuals harbouring this KIR: HLA ligand combination were 1.5 times more likely to acquire HIV-1 infection. Certain KIR: HLA ligand associations (2DS2+C1) are significantly linked with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. Four successful e-learning workshops were conducted at which 74 postgraduate students were trained. A “HDI” (Host Defense Interactions http://hdi.bio-med.ch) portal was established in collaboration with Prof JP Kreahenbuhl from HSeT.

Current Organisation

South African Medical Research Council

Grants

Grant Code:
SHIP CT
Source of funding:
MRC
Amount:
1150251
Role:
Other(specify)
Start Date:
2013-09-01
End Date:
2017-08-31

Publications

Authors:
Reddy S, Reddy T, Ntoyanto S, Sakadavan Y, Spooner E, Ramjee G, Ngomane N, Coutsoudis A, Kiepiela, P , Reddy S et al. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of rapid point-of-care (POC) testing for TB diagnosis using the loop mediated isothermal assay (TB LAMP) in TB suspects. IJTLD 2017; http://dx.doi.org/10.5588/ijtld.16.0863
Date:
2017-06-27
Journal:
International Journal of Tubercle and Lund Disease
Content:
Identifiers:
Authors:
Leitman E, Thobakgale C, Adland E, Ansari M, Raghwani J, Prendergast A, Tudor-Williams G, Kiepiela P, Hemelaar J, Brener J, Tsai MH, Mori M, Riddell L, Luzzi G, Jooste P, Ndung'u T, Walker B, Pybus O, Kellam P, Naranbhai V, Matthews P, Gall A, and Goulder P , Leitman E et al. Role of HIV-specific CD8+ T-cells in paediatric HIV cure strategies following widespread early viral escape. The Journal of Experimental Medicine
Date:
2017-06-20
Journal:
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
Content:
Identifiers:

Projects

Fellow:
Photini Kiepiela
Collaborators:
Name Country Institution
Prof C Tiemessen (PI) South Africa WHC NICD
Objectives:
The aim of this study is to establish a pipeline of key targets, both viral and host, which can be developed as future feasible therapeutic approaches for attaining a “functional cure” or ultimately an “eradicating cure” for HIV-1.
Sites:
Soweto, Durban
Subjects:
100 Elite Controllers; 200 Rapid Progressors
Outcomes:
Pending
Linked Grant:
“HIV-1 positive South African elite and long term controllers: viral and host targets for functional
Start Date:
2017-09-01
End Date:
2018-09-30

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