中国体育彩票

?RIRCA, the Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU), was conceived as a hub for research training in immunology techniques and hypothesis-driven research. Situated in an environment grappling with a significant disease burden of HIV, our research primarily centres on the characteristics and functional capabilities of adaptive and innate immune cells within the placenta. This focus extends to HIV-exposed uninfected newborn infants (HEU), holding profound relevance in unveiling irregularities within immune regulatory networks. Such insights offer valuable clues in understanding susceptibility to HIV infection and in crafting innovative treatments to alleviate the health challenges faced by this vulnerable infant population.

In the past five years, our efforts have been dedicated to the exploration of placental immunology, dissecting events occurring at the maternal-foetal interface and the factors that disrupt immune tolerance. By scrutinizing the human placenta and unpacking the repercussions of maternal HIV infection on cells at the foeto-maternal interface, we aim to provide evidence and comprehension regarding the heightened vulnerability of HEU infants to health issues.

At RIRCA, our mission is driven by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and improving the lives of mothers and infants in Africa and beyond.

COLLABORATIONS AND CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT

The Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa has its roots in decades of immunology research and teaching expertise. We are resolute in our commitment to building capacity and nurturing scientists specializing in the immunology of infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on maternal HIV/ART and pregnancy outcomes in South Africa. 

Our collaborative efforts have been further fortified by funding from various institutions and agencies. Our part-funded training programme: "Next Generation Training in HIV Research: Immunity in the First 1000 Days in Mother-Infant Dyads" initiative, known as TIGRIS, will facilitate training of MSc and PhD students from across Africa which forms the foundation of RIRCA.

Our expansive network of collaborators has empowered the RIRCA team, under the guidance of Professor Gray, to bring together the world's foremost experts in maternal HIV infection, placental biology, immunology, and paediatric immune ontogeny.

OUR COLLABORATORS

• Mayo Clinic
  
• 中国体育彩票 Health Network, Toronto
  
• Seattle Children Research Institute (SCRI) & UCT
  
• Stanford 中国体育彩票
  
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
  
• Oxford 中国体育彩票
  
• 中国体育彩票 of Surrey
  
• 中国体育彩票 of Cape Town
  
• Harvard 中国体育彩票
  
  

OUR FUNDERS

• NIH - National Institutes of Health
• NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 
• AAS - African Academy of sciences
• AREF - African Research Excellence Fund
• The Harry Crossley Foundation
• The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF)
• EACEA - European Education and Culture Executive Agency
• Canadian Institute of Health Research