Research
Where genetics meets
infectious disease
Human genetics, genomics, epigenetics, immunology and bioinformatics. Mapping how
host biology shapes HIV, TB, COVID-19, autoimmune disease, metabolic disease and cancer.
Pillars of the lab's work
Our work spans interconnected pillars that together aim to understand human health, uncover the reasons behind disease differences, and translate discoveries into impact.
Why do some people control infection better than others?
Immunogenetics explores how differences in our genes influence the way the immune system recognises and responds to disease. A major focus of the lab is HLA genetics, which plays a critical role in immune defence.
Why does the same infection affect people differently?
Host genomics investigates how a person's genetic make-up influences susceptibility to infection, disease progression and protection. The lab uses genomic approaches to identify genetic factors associated with different outcomes in diseases such as HIV and TB.
What changes the way our genes behave?
Epigenetics investigates changes that influence whether genes are switched on or off without changing the underlying DNA sequence. The lab studies how factors such as infection and treatment can influence gene regulation and immune responses.
How can treatment be tailored to the individual?
Precision medicine uses information about an individual's genetics and biology to better understand disease risk, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The lab works towards translating genomic discoveries into approaches that are more relevant to the individual.
How do the microbes within us influence our health?
Microbiomics examines the communities of microorganisms that live within the human body and how they interact with host genetics, the immune system and the environment.
What can Africa's genetic diversity teach us about human health?
African genomics focuses on understanding the extraordinary genetic diversity found across African populations and ensuring that this diversity is represented in genomic research.
Current Research
Genetics, Immunity and Infectious Diseases
The current research programme focuses on understanding how human genetics, immune system variation and microbial interactions influence health and disease, spanning HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, cancer and autoimmune disease. Emerging work explores the human microbiome’s role in immune health and disease risk, alongside the lab’s core commitment to advanced DNA analysis and genetic testing across African populations.
Ultimately, our research is about turning this understanding into better ways to predict risk, detect disease, guide treatment and advance precision medicine.
