News

As we continue with the tradition of promoting high-level science, fostering collaboration, and facilitating networking among students, faculty, university leadership, and fellow researchers. The September’s month's seminar delved into a highly relevant and complex topic: the "Emergence of neutralizing antibodies associated with the clearance of SARS-CoV-2 during HIV-mediated immunosuppression.“

Led by renowned Virologist and Cell Biologist, Prof. Alex Sigal, the seminar explored the intersection of two critical areas of study - COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS. Prof. Sigal, who earned his Ph.D. in Systems Biology from the Weizmann Institute of Science, has a storied career that includes groundbreaking research in HIV spread, antiretroviral therapy, and more recently, COVID-19 and its variants.

The seminar highlighted the importance of understanding how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with the immune system, particularly in individuals with HIV-mediated immunosuppression. Prof. Sigal's research has contributed significantly to our understanding of immune responses, viral evolution, and the health impacts of respiratory infections.

During the seminar, an engaging question was posed by an audience member, Federico Gueli, who asked about the potential implications of the BA.2.86 variant's resistance to certain antibodies and sensitivity to others, as outlined in the research paper he referenced.

This seminar provided a valuable platform for discussing the latest research and insights at the intersection of HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. The Stellenbosch University's Scientific Seminar Series continues to be a crucial forum for advancing our understanding of pressing scientific issues and promoting collaboration among researchers.

For those who missed the seminar or wish to revisit the discussion, the recording can be found on YouTube.

Additionally, attendees can earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points by attending these seminars in person or online.

For more information about about CPD points and HPCSA

For more information about upcoming seminars in the series and to register for future events, please email ceri@sun.ac.za.

News date: 2023-09-27

Links:

https://krisp.org.za/manuscripts/Seminar_Series_27_Sep_2023_Alex_Sigal.pdf