Dr Zaza Ndhlovu, advancing HIV Vaccine researchUKZN Academic Selected as International Research Scholar
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) academic, Dr Zaza Ndhlovu has been selected as an International Research Scholar by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in conjunction with other philanthropies.
HHMI, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation recently announced the selection of 41 International Research Scholars, selected from 16 countries around the world, all of whom are early-career scientists poised to advance biomedical research across the globe.
A panel of distinguished scientists reviewed more than 1 400 applications, and evaluated both the impact of past work, including doctoral and postdoctoral achievements, and the promise of work to come. Each Scholar is set to receive a total of around $650 000, over five years, to further advance and develop their research/project efforts.
Ndhlovu, an Immunologist in the HIV Pathogenesis programme at UKZN’s Medical School, was selected for his unique and focused approach to the basic science research that is aimed at informing rationale HIV vaccine design.
Ndhlovu says that most vaccine designs thus far have not been successful partly because they were not stimulating the right immune cells that can inhibit HIV replication. ‘My research is focused on identifying which cells within the immune system are equipped with the necessary arsenal to fight off HIV. The findings from this would then lead to the design of a targeted vaccine that would sufficiently boost those specific cells.’
He has started the preliminary work with testing on humanized mice, carrying human immune cells from HIV infected persons, ‘Scientists have previously used humanized mice, mostly to study different drugs, compounds and anti-viral agents, but this testing is unique in that I am looking to precisely identify cell subset that can kill HIV in a living organism.’
Ndhlovu said it has been a formidable challenge for medical practitioners to develop an efficacious and affordable HIV vaccine. ‘More than 17 million people are on life-long treatment for HIV, across the world…And in KZN it is mostly young girls who are getting infected. If we can develop a therapeutic vaccine, we can take people off life-long medication, cut the cost of long-term treatment, improve quality of life and prevent future infections.’
On achieving this prestigous appointment Ndhlovu said, ‘It makes me feel very proud to get this recognition which demonstrates that my research is good enough to attract funding from HHMI, it is a great feeling!’
‘This is an outstanding group of scientists who will push biomedical research forward worldwide, and we are thrilled to support them alongside our philanthropic partners,’ said David Clapham, HHMI’s Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer.
Ndhlovu’s academic achievements include a PhD, attained from Johns Hopkins University and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from Harvard University. He has also published in the high impact journals, Immunity and Nature Immunology, and has received various international accolades.
Words by: Sejal Desai