Employing (Home) Organisation: Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana
Project title: Building capacity in cell biology to explore the immunological interplay driving the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex epidemic in West Africa
My scientific training as a biochemist and microbiologist has positioned me to answer scientific questions in infectious diseases. With over 10 years’ experience in mycobacterial research at Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, I seek to investigate the host-pathogen interaction of tuberculosis. Since the relevance of research is to be translated into real-world impact, I hope my research will be relevant in the development of new control tools considering the unique variants of TB restricted to West Africa and Africa.
Summary of Project Destination
Lineages 5 and 6 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), both referred to as Mycobacterium africanum, are restricted to West Africa, suggesting a relationship (local adaptation). Understanding of this relationship is very limited and a good model to study this adaptation is also a challenge. I will use human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to generate 3D cultures (granulomas) to study tuberculosis in a way that looks more like that of the human. I will also use this opportunity to implement the 3D granuloma culture model at my home institution, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) which will further be used to gain insights in the evolution and diversity in the pathogenesis of the different lineages of MTBC.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
3D granuloma culture model has been well established in Dr Damien Portevin’s laboratory at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) in Basel, Switzerland where I will have my research development fellowship. After the fellowship, I will establish the model at NMIMR to study pathogenesis and drug resistance in TB as well as utilize this technique for other diseases in the future.
Quote
“The research we pursue as scientists should provide the building blocks for future studies and ultimately translate into the betterment of lives.”
Dr. Stephen Osei-Wusu expects to start her fellowship in July 2025