Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity targeting CD4-inducible epitopes predicts mortality in HIV-infected infants

BACKGROUND:

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) has been associated with improved infant outcome in mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1. Epitopes of these ADCC-mediating antibodies remain unidentified. CD4-inducible (CD4i) epitopes on gp120 are common ADCC targets in natural infection and vaccination. We tested whether CD4i epitope-specific ADCC mediated by maternal antibodies or passively-acquired antibodies in infants is associated with reduced MTCT and improved infant survival.

Protocol of a randomised controlled trial characterising the immune responses induced by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccination in healthy Kenyan women: setting the stage for a potential VZV-based HIV vaccine

METHODS AND ANALYSIS:

This open-label, randomised, longitudinal crossover study includes healthy Kenyan VZV-seropositive women at low risk for HIV infection. Participants receive a single dose of a commercial live-attenuated VZVOka vaccine at either week 0 (n=22) or at week 12 (n=22) of the study and are followed for 48 and 36 weeks postvaccination, respectively. The primary outcome is the change on cervical CD4+ T-cell immune activation measured by the coexpression of CD38 and HLA-DR 12 weeks postvaccination compared with the baseline (prevaccination).

Team Ramesh carries the day at FHS UNSA elections

Ramesh Saxena is the new Chairperson of the University of Nairobi Students Association at the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Saxena emerged the winner in the student's election held online on Friday 24th March, 2023.
Team Ramesh, garnered 1,254 votes agains Team Milton which got 1145 votes.
Other members in Team Ramesh are:
Tecla Katana - Vice - Vice Chairperson
Reuben Kagai - Secretary General
Renny Orenge - Treasurer
Mwende Kanabu - Sports and Social Welfare Rep
Purity Moshi - International Students Rep.