Prof Caroline Tiemessen

Caroline Tiemessen is a South African immunologist and molecular virologist widely recognized for her leadership in HIV research. Based at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand, her work bridges basic immunology, clinical cohorts, and translational science. She has played a prominent role in advancing African-led HIV cure research and capacity development initiatives across low- and middle-income settings.

Her research centers on HIV pathogenesis, immune control, and strategies toward functional cure, with particular emphasis on perinatal infection and early antiretroviral therapy. Publications highlight investigations into viral reservoirs in children and adolescents, analytical treatment interruption, elite controllers, and innate immune mechanisms, including natural killer cell function. She also contributes to studies on TB/HIV comorbidity, host biomarkers, pharmacogenomics in African populations, and cost-effective drug resistance diagnostics.

Tiemessen’s work is distinguished by its focus on African cohorts and locally relevant innovation, integrating immunology, genomics, and clinical research to inform remission strategies and precision medicine. Through consortium leadership and policy-shaping position statements, she has influenced ethical and scientific frameworks for pediatric cure research while strengthening the next generation of HIV scientists in high-burden regions.