Investigating the mechanisms for persistence of HIV in human alveolar macrophages

Kondwani is a pulmonary immunologist with a particular interest in immune defence against pathogens in the lung. During his Fellowship, he aims to understand what promotes persistence of HIV in the lung after initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Persistence of HIV in the lung, especially in alveolar macrophages, presents an enormous challenge for the eradication of HIV in the human host. Kondwani’s research will mainly focus on investigating whether HIV suppresses host-immune functions that are key for recognition and clearance of HIV-infected cells in the lung. Understanding the mechanisms that promote persistence of HIV in the lung will help in the formulation of novel therapeutic strategies against HIV.

This grant was awarded under the scheme's previous name of Intermediate Fellowships in Public Health and Tropical Medicine.