Five New Master’s Graduates in UKZN’s HIV Pathogenesis Programme
UKZN’s HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP) was proud and overjoyed to graduate five new master’s at this year’s Autumn Graduation ceremonies.
Said graduate Ms Silondoloze Mtanjana: ‘Growing up, I was inspired by a simple but powerful motto: “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me”. That mindset became my guiding force throughout my academic journey.’
Supervised by Dr Bongiwe Ndlovu, Mtanjana’s research project was titled: “Evaluation of Sequence Differences and the Neutralization Sensitivity between Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) derived HIV-1 Subtype C clones”.
Findings revealed differences in the HIV-1 Env genes and neutralisation sensitivity to various bnAbs between plasma and CSF variants. Frequent amino acid variations were found in the variable loops (V2 apex and V3 glycan supersite), and minor variations were found in the CD4 binding site, MPER, and gp120-gp41 interface, however, there was no substantial evidence of viral compartmentalisation between plasma and CSF variants.
These results supported the potential use of a combination of antibodies targeting multiple regions of the virus to reduce or eliminate HIV reservoirs in both blood and the central nervous system. ‘I am currently writing a manuscript for publication and will embark on PhD studies soon,’ she said.
Supervised by Professor Zaza Ndhlovu, Mr Mali Mlaba’s study examined the role of natural killer (NK) cells in the lymph nodes during HIV infection, addressing key gaps in the field, and curtailing mechanisms that influence cytolytic responses in the lymph node during Antiretroviral Therapy initiation.
Said Mlaba: ‘During my studies, I had the privilege of presenting my research at prestigious conferences in three different countries, broadening my scientific perspective and contributing to global discussions on HIV research. Beyond my work in the lab, I have deeply enjoyed mentoring young people, sharing my experiences as a graduate student and engaging in capacity-building initiatives.’
Mr Darian Naidu’s study found that the crude extract of fungal endophyte Alternaria alternata had strong anti-HIV activity against different HIV-1 subtypes, integrase drug-resistant strains, and potential integrase inhibitory activity. The findings showed that natural products have a place in anti-HIV and HIV cure research, and were published recently in the journal Pharmaceuticals under Naidu et al., 2025, including molecular docking due to multidisciplinary collaboration. Naidu was supervised by Dr Nompumelelo Mkhwanazi.
Supervised by Professor Jaclyn Mann and published in the BMC Virology Journal, Ms Nikeisha Samlall’s study revealed particular amino acids that were important for Nef-mediated SERINC3 down-regulation and highlighted that these mutations may be important for this Nef function and others. The information gathered in this study could be useful for the rational design of therapeutics and vaccines targeting the Nef region.
Samlall said: ‘During my master’s degree, I had the opportunity to present my work internationally at the 25th International AIDS Conference in Germany and the Immuno-Zambia 2.0 course in Zambia.’ Thanking HPP, she added: ‘The journey was not only filled academically but contained important life lessons, resilience and connections with colleagues that I will forever cherish for the support and kindness offered.’
Currently pursuing a PhD in Medical Microbiology focusing on TB-HIV co-infection, Ms Nomcebo Mtshali’s Master’s in Virology’s dissertation, supervised by Dr Paradise Madlala, was titled: “HIV-1 Subtype C LTR Sp1IIIT5A Mutation Induces the Transcriptional Activity and Sp1 Binding Affinity”.
‘After my PhD, I aim to contribute to global health initiatives through academic research or work with organisations addressing infectious diseases. My goal is to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world applications that improve healthcare delivery,’ Mtshali said.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
