Award-Winning TB/HIV Virologist Obtains PhD

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A PhD is in the bag for TB/HIV virologist, Dr Thando Maseko (30), who is now a Mucosal Immunology Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA).

Concerned that people living with HIV (PLWHIV) are often coinfected with TB, thereby suggesting the need for joint solutions to improve the health of this population, her doctoral research focused on inflammation and cellular immune phenotypes in TB/HIV co-infection.

Maseko’s multi-faceted study analysed inflammatory markers of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) in participants from the CAPRISA 020 Individualised M(X) drug-resistant TB Treatment Strategy Study since MDR/XDR-TB, being a more aggressive form of TB, is likely to produce a stronger inflammatory response, exaggerating tissue damage and TB associated pathogenesis.

Her study identified distinct changes in systemic inflammatory and NK cell and memory CD4+ T cell populations concerning active disease, treatment completion, bacterial clearance, and disease severity in TB and TB-HIV co-infected individuals. The results of the study highlighted biologically plausible and novel mechanisms by which concurrent HIV infection impairs the host immune control of TB infection.

Maseko said both TB and HIV profoundly affect immune responses, impacting morbidity and mortality. She said a lack of understanding of the protective and pathogenic host immune responses during TB and TB/HIV co-infection is hampering the development of novel diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic modalities.

‘I am incredibly proud and exhilarated to reach this significant milestone. The journey has been challenging yet incredibly rewarding, leading to fruitful outcomes. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to further evolve as a young researcher during my postdoctoral research fellowship, with the ultimate goal of establishing my own research group dedicated to understanding the immune mechanisms of infectious diseases,’ said Maseko.

Maseko said she aspires to engage in pioneering research aimed at deepening our understanding of host immune responses to infectious diseases, thereby promoting the development of novel vaccines, host-directed therapies, and treatments to enhance the wellbeing of individuals.

Her research project resulted in first-author publications while collaborative research led to co-authored publications. She said: ‘I am grateful to have presented my work at national and international conferences. Notably, I received the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 7th South African TB Conference in 2022 for Track 1 in Durban. Additionally, I have a passion for mentoring junior students.’

Maseko completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at UKZN, receiving invaluable support from the dedicated faculty and staff, she said. ‘Thanks to the University’s assistance, I secured funding throughout my academic journey. I relied on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) during my undergraduate years, and from my honours degree to the completion of my PhD, I was fortunate to receive funding from the National Research Foundation. I am sincerely grateful for these opportunities.’

Born in Soweto and raised by a single parent who worked tirelessly to ensure she was well-taken care of and had a decent education, Maseko describes herself as ‘a vibrant, driven, and talented individual with a strong commitment to family. I cherish experiences that enrich my understanding of the world, whether through travel or the universal language of music as a drummer and bassist. I am dedicated to living life to the fullest and making a difference wherever I go.’

Maseko was not deterred from her lab work due to COVID-19 restrictions. ‘All things are possible to them that believe,’ she said. Her hobbies include exercising, travelling, watching music performances, reading, sewing, playing the drums and bass guitar.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini