Pathocast in Review

Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S2. Ep2 – What if we could give formula-fed babies some of the same microbiome advantages as breastfeeding? And why does the microbiome look so different across Africa while remaining unique to the rest of the world? Join us as we unpack the science behind infant gut development, explore an innovative antibody-based approach to directing microbiome development in formula-fed infants, and travel across the continent to discover how environment, culture and lifestyle create one of the world's most diverse microbial landscapes. This episode reveals why understanding Africa's microbiome is essential for developing equitable, context-specific health interventions.
Papers in Review:
1. A newborn derived monoclonal IgM antibody selectively modulates microbial metabolism in the gut (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63585-x).
2. Expanding the human gut microbiome atlas of Africa (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08485-8⁠)
Moderator: Zwile Zungu
Panelists: Rachael Gachogo and Dean Brink
Production: Zd Creations
Creator: Immun-Vir JC

Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S2. Ep1 – The wait is over. In this episode, we explore cutting-edge advances in vaccinology and immunology, from the pursuit of a universal vaccine to innovative strategies aimed at enhancing HIV vaccine efficacy. We discuss the exciting possibility of a single mucosal vaccine capable of providing protection against a broad range of pathogens and examine the scientific challenges involved in achieving this goal.
We also shift gears to the role of immune checkpoint blockade in reversing immune exhaustion in people living with HIV. Could restoring immune function enhance vaccine-induced protection? Join us as we unpack emerging approaches to reinvigorate CD8 T-cell responses and improve the effectiveness of next-generation vaccines.
Papers in Review:
1. Mucosal vaccination in mice provides protection from diverse respiratory threats (DOI: 10.1126/science.aea1260).
2. PD-1 blockade enhances functional vaccine-induced HIV-1 CD8 + T-cell responses in PWH receiving early ART (DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.106070)
Moderator: Valencia Chauke
Panelists: Nyaradzo Chigorimbo and Bliss Musvosvi
Production: Zd Creations
Creator: Immun-Vir JC

Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S1. Ep7 – What if winter doesn’t just change the weather but also your microbiome? In this seventh and final episode, we explore how seasonal shifts shape gut microbial diversity, and why fermented foods consumed during colder months may reduce diversity in a beneficial and stabilising way. We then switch our focus to spotlight issues in public health, unpacking how socioeconomic conditions, such as maternal education, income level and wealth which are defined differently across regions, drive adverse birth outcomes, and how context-specific metrics can inform smarter, more equitable interventions to improve infant survival and lifelong health.
Papers in Review:
1. Fermented foods affect the seasonal stability of gut bacteria in an Indian rural population (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56014-6).
2. The Global Network Socioeconomic Status Index as a predictor of stillbirths, perinatal mortality, and neonatal mortality in rural communities in low and lower middle income country sites of the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research (DOI: ⁠10.1371/journal.pone.0272712)
Moderator: Zwile Zungu (@zwilezungu)
Panelists: Janine Fredericks and Yashodani Pillay (@yashodani)
Production: Zd Creations
Creator: Immun-Vir JC

Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)

Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S1. Ep6 – The sixth instalment explore how maternal biology shapes the health and development of the next generation. We unpack the maternal immune mechanisms that support a successful pregnancy, focusing on the pivotal role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in preventing miscarriage and ensuring tolerance in subsequent pregnancies. We then shift to the maternal microbiome, examining emerging evidence on how a mother’s microbial community can influence the neurological development of her newborn. Intriguingly, we discuss research showing that microbiomes from older mothers may impart subtle developmental impairments.
Papers in Review:
1. Pregnancy-acquired memory CD4+ regulatory T cells improvepregnancy outcome in mice (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61572-w).
2. Maternal dysbiosis produces long-lasting behaviouralchanges in offspring (DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02794-0)
Moderator: NelisaMakaleni (@nelly_saciar)
Panelists: Blessing Moses (@emeraldeey) and ValenciaChauke
Production: Zd Creations
Creator: Immun-Vir JC

Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)

Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S1. Ep5 - On this fifth instalment we explore new evidence showing how HIV infection accelerates biological ageing, not just in years lived, but deep in the molecular architecture of antibodies revealing that changes in antibody glycosylation can predict ageing long before clinical signs appear, offering a molecular window into how chronic inflammation reshapes immune function. We then turn to obesity, a condition now understood to reprogram adipose tissue in lasting ways. Even after weight loss, fat tissue retains a form of metabolic memory, driving inflammation and accelerated cellular senescence. But here’s the hopeful part, this ageing process can be partially reversed by weight loss.Papers in Review:
1. Immunoglobulin G N-glycan markers of accelerated biological aging during chronic HIV infection. (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47279-4).
2. Selective remodelling of the adipose niche in obesity and weight loss. (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09233-2).
Moderator: Adijat Jimoh (@deejah_deej)
Panelists: Wealth Okete (@de_dew001) and Sonwabile Dzanibe (@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sonwa_dzanibe⁠⁠)
Production: Zd Creations
Creator: Immun-Vir JC
Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)