Search

Host response to the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) involves both the innate and adaptive immune systems. As part of the innate immune system, the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) found on natural killer cells and some T-lymphocytes are genetically diverse and play key functions in the host response against viral pathogens. In the last decade, there has been substantial growth in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics capacity to understand human host genetics, including KIR. However, there is limited literature on how the KIR diversity informs the perspectives on HIV disease states in understudied African settings. A better understanding of the effects of KIRs on the host’s immune response to HIV in African settings is essential to inform strategies to develop more effective therapies and vaccines to improve health among people living with HIV (PLWH). In this paper, we review KIR diversity, the role of KIR immunogenetic variation in the human host response to HIV, discuss current perspectives on the studies to assess the relationship between KIR diversity and the HIV disease continuum, and suggest future research prospects.

Background The two recent simultaneous developments of high-throughput sequencing and increased computational power have brought bioinformatics to the forefront as an important tool for effective and efficient biomedical research. Consequently, there have been multiple approaches to developing bioinformatics skills. In resource rich environments, it has been possible to develop and implement formal fully accredited graduate degree training programs in bioinformatics. In resource limited settings with a paucity of expert bioinformaticians, infrastructure and financial resources, the task has been approached by delivering short courses on bioinformatics—lasting only a few days to a couple of weeks. Alternatively, courses are offered online, usually over a period of a few months. These approaches are limited by both the lack of sustained in-person trainer–trainee interactions, which is a key part of quality mentorships and short durations which constrain the amount of learning that can be achieved. Methods Here, we pioneered and tested a bioinformatics training/mentorship model that effectively uses the available expertise and computational infrastructure to deliver an in-person hands-on skills training experience. This is done through a few physical lecture hours each week, guided personal coursework over the rest of the week, group discussions and continuous close mentorship and assessment of trainees over a period of 1 year. Results This model has now completed its third iteration at Makerere University and has successfully mentored trainees, who have progressed to a variety of viable career paths. Conclusions One-year (intermediate) skills based in-person bioinformatics training and mentorships are viable, effective and particularly appropriate for resource limited settings.

Background: The use of nevirapine in the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections is greatly limited by its fatal hepatotoxicity. In sub-Saharan African, traditional medicine involving use of plant materials has been proposed to counteract liver damage, albeit with no scientific evidence. The aim of the present study was to determine the hepatoprotective effect of Cymbopogon citratus essential oils against nevirapine-induced hepatic oxidative damage in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: Five groups of rats received a daily oral dose of 36mg/kg nevirapine for 4 consecutive weeks. After 15 minutes, rats in three of the groups were given 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil extract. The positive control group received nevirapine and 200mg/kg of silymarin while the normal control group received only 2ml of distilled water. Blood was used to determine the levels of liver function parameters and liver sections were used for histological studies. Results: The results revealed that oral administration of nevirapine (36mg/kg b.w. p.o) for 4 weeks significantly (P