Dr
Photini Kiepiela
Project Title
Training in mucosal immunity and the evaluation of KIR:nHLA genes in HIV-1 clade c infection: key components to HIV vaccine design
Project 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
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.
Host Organisation
| Department | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|
| South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) | South Africa |
EDCTP Project
TA.2008.40200.015
EDCTP Program
EDCTP1
EDCTP Project Call
Senior Fellowship (SF)
Study Design
Laboratory analyses of HIV mucosal immunity and KIR:HLA genes