Page 81 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

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

Centre for Tuberculosis
Research Unit

UNIT DIRECTOR:
Prof. Mohlopheni Jackson Marakalala
mohlopheni.marakalala@mrc.ac.za

Overview of the Research Unit Key Milestones and Achievements

The SAMRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research During 2025/2026, the Centre advanced a
(CTR), hosted within the Stellenbosch University multidisciplinary research agenda to strengthen TB
Biomedical Research Institute, is a key part of South diagnosis, treatment, and control across Southern
Africa’s fight against the ongoing tuberculosis (TB) Africa. Its work addressed critical challenges,
epidemic. As an essential part of the SAMRC, the including drug resistance, asymptomatic TB,
Centre’s goals match national aims to promote diagnostic limitations, poor treatment outcomes,
innovative health research, build sustainable and the underrepresentation of African populations
scientific capacity, and foster innovations that in TB research.
enhance health outcomes. Formed through a A major focus area was host-pathogen interaction
strategic partnership between the SAMRC and the research to better understand TB pathogenesis and
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and persistence. Using molecular mycobacteriology, in
Health Sciences, the CTR links advanced laboratory vitro infection models, whole genome sequencing,
research with practical public health solutions.
transcriptomics, and proteomics, researchers
CTR’s multidisciplinary research programme investigated persister bacteria, PE/PPE proteins,
spans mycobacterial genetics, host-pathogen and mechanisms of drug resistance. These studies
interactions, novel therapeutics, and advanced generated translational insights with the potential
diagnostic technologies, with a particular focus to inform the development of improved TB drugs
on rapid, accurate detection of drug-resistant and vaccines.
TB. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals, the Centre’s scientific agenda
contributes to the global target of ending the TB
epidemic by 2030.

Beyond research, the CTR plays a critical role
in scientific capacity development through
postgraduate training and the Generation Science
(GenS) outreach programme for high school learners.
Guided by a One Health approach, the Centre also
investigates TB at the human-animal-environment The image illustrates the use of artificial
interface to improve understanding of transmission intelligence to predict the potential binding
dynamics. By integrating community engagement, interaction of a newly synthesised ligand
outreach, genomics, and immunology, the CTR within the active-site pocket of InhA, the
ensures that scientific excellence translates into enoyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase enzyme
meaningful advances in policy, patient care, and of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
regional and global health impact.

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