Page 151 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

P E R FOR M A NC E I N FOR M A T I ON

research projects contribute to building a diverse
and highly skilled biomedical workforce in South
Africa.
Staff and trainees receive advanced training
in applied molecular biology, mRNA and viral
vector vaccinology, experimental pharmaceutical
manufacturing, organoid systems, and
entrepreneurship. These initiatives strengthen
scientific excellence and enhance career mobility
within the health innovation sector.
Professor Betty Maepa and her doctoral
AGTRU also trains scientists from other South graduate, Dr Ridhwaanah Bhana, employ
African institutions and industry partners, including bioreactors for large-scale production
Afrigen and Biovac, thereby extending expertise in of recombinant viral vectors for use in
gene therapy and vaccine technologies across the prophylactic and therapeutic applications.
national innovation ecosystem.

Through its leadership in the mRNA vaccine hub
and partnerships with industry, AGTRU contributes
to the development of local manufacturing and
research infrastructure. These efforts support
health sovereignty and equitable access to vaccines
and therapies in LMICs.
The Unit participates in multinational consortia,
including African-led HIV vaccine initiatives,
fostering equitable partnerships and ensuring that
African scientists contribute to and benefit from
global health innovation.
Drs Rebecca van Dorsten and Kubendran
AI in Medical and Health Research Naidoo are exploring the use of the C1 fungal
platform (Dyadic, Inc) to produce therapeutic
and vaccine proteins.
The Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research
Unit is highly data-driven and well-placed to
incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine
learning into predictive design, optimisation, and targets, providing a foundation for advanced
translational decision-making in health innovation. computational analysis and future AI integration.
The Unit applies rational, data-driven approaches The Unit’s use of organoid systems, animal models,
based on DNA and RNA sequence information bioluminescence imaging, and flow cytometry
to develop mRNA vaccines and gene therapies, generates high-content quantitative datasets for
including TALEN-based technologies. Antigen evaluating vaccine and gene therapy performance,
selection strategies, such as TB targets derived supporting evidence-based and data-guided
from T-cell datasets, rely on computational and decision-making.
predictive methods to optimise immunogenicity.
Standard operating procedures developed
The development of extensive libraries of cashew through participation in the WHO/MPP mRNA
nutshell-derived ionisable lipids has generated hub ensure reproducible and harmonised datasets
substantial datasets relating to mRNA encapsulation across multiple sites. These standardised datasets
efficiency, particle size, polydispersity, delivery are essential for future AI and machine learning
efficiency, toxicity, and immune responses. These applications.
datasets support data-driven optimisation of LNP
systems and future machine learning applications. Scale-up activities, including GMP preparation
and lipid production, generate process and quality
Access to next-generation sequencing and datasets that can support predictive modelling,
bioinformatics platforms enables the analysis of optimisation, and decision-support systems for
viral genomes, immune responses, and therapeutic translational and manufacturing processes.

SA M R C A N N U A L R EP O R T 2 0 2 5 / 2 0 2 6 149