Page 79 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

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

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS UNDER THIS PROGRAMME

Antibody Immunity
Research Unit

UNIT DIRECTOR:
Prof. Penny Moore
pennym@nicd.ac.za

Overview of the Research Unit The Unit has since secured funding to establish
advanced assay platforms for influenza, RSV, CMV,
The Antibody Immunity Research Unit (AIRU) focuses
on advancing the prevention of viral infectious adenoviruses, Ebola and tuberculosis, all of which
diseases through active and passive immunisation contribute substantially to Africa’s disease burden.
strategies. By combining detailed analyses of Despite this diversification, HIV vaccine design
viral pathogens with investigations into antibody- remains AIRU’s primary research focus, reflecting
mediated immune responses, AIRU contributes to the ongoing impact of HIV in South Africa.
the development of innovative vaccines, antibody During the reporting period, AIRU played a key role
therapeutics and diagnostic platforms. in multiple HIV discovery medicine trials involving

The Unit employs diverse technological platforms both HIV-naïve participants and people living with
to study humoral immune responses alongside HIV. These studies required a significant expansion
viral evolution across pathogens of major public of the Unit’s B-cell analytics capacity, which is now
health relevance, including HIV, SARS-CoV-2, a central component of its research infrastructure.
cytomegalovirus (CMV), respiratory syncytial AIRU also advanced its work in passive immunisation
virus (RSV), adenoviruses, Ebola and tuberculosis. through ongoing monoclonal antibody clinical
These efforts address diseases for which trials conducted in collaboration with CAPRISA
vaccines, immunotherapies or diagnostics are and through the EDCTP-funded PedMAb infant
either unavailable, limited locally, or still under study. Findings from these trials have generated
development. Through this integrated approach, important insights into antibody pharmacokinetics
AIRU supports the development of locally relevant and HIV prevention strategies.
prevention and treatment strategies aligned with The Unit’s core scientific priorities remain focused
South Africa’s health priorities.
on identifying correlates of humoral immune
Key Milestones and Achievements protection in both infection and vaccination
settings. AIRU continues to investigate viral antigens
AIRU continues to strengthen its position as a associated with improved immune responses across
leading centre for research on humoral immune HIV, influenza, RSV, CMV and, to a lesser extent,
responses to pathogens of public health SARS-CoV-2. In parallel, the Unit is expanding its
importance. While initially focused on HIV research, antibody isolation and engineering capabilities to
the Unit successfully expanded its scope during support passive immunisation approaches across
the COVID-19 pandemic, making significant multiple pathogens. These strategic research areas
contributions to South Africa’s national SARS-CoV-2 remain closely aligned with the SAMRC's priorities.
response.

SA M R C A N N U A L R EP O R T 2 0 2 5 / 2 0 2 6 77