Dr. Christina Thobakgale

Christina Thobakgale is a South African immunologist whose research centers on HIV immunopathogenesis, with a particular emphasis on innate immunity. Her work explores how natural killer cells, CD8+ T cells, and neutrophils shape viral control, especially in elite controllers and individuals initiating early antiretroviral therapy. She has contributed extensively to understanding immune activation, exhaustion, and functional competence in diverse HIV-affected populations.

Recent studies highlight the role of early ART in restoring NK cell dynamics during acute infection and characterize activated NK cell profiles in elite controllers. Her investigations into pediatric slow progressors reveal stem-like PD-1–expressing CD8+ T cell populations linked to favorable outcomes, offering insight into immune mechanisms that may support remission strategies.

Thobakgale’s scholarship also addresses host genetics, including the DARC-null trait, and its influence on neutrophil and cytolytic cell function in African populations. Additional contributions examine maternal–child transmission bottlenecks and immune factors in pregnancy, alongside translational work on multiplex HIV/TB diagnostics, reflecting a broad commitment to clinically relevant HIV research.