Immunology

University of the Witwatersrand, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a public research university established in 1922. Its Immunology program is embedded within a leading academic health sciences environment, supporting translational and laboratory research aligned with regional and global health priorities.

The publication portfolio highlights a strong focus on HIV immunology, including natural killer cell dynamics, elite controllers, pediatric slow progression, and immune exhaustion. Significant work explores immune restoration with early antiretroviral therapy and mechanisms underlying functional cure models, advancing understanding of host–virus interactions.

Additional strengths include HIV-associated malignancies, vaccine-preventable diseases, SARS-CoV-2 immunity in people living with HIV, and innovative multiplex diagnostics for HIV and tuberculosis. The research demonstrates leadership in infection-driven immune dysregulation and contributes meaningfully to therapeutic and vaccine strategy development.