VALIDATE Vaccines for Skin NTDs Seminars - Pathogenesis Seminar 2
About the Seminar
In the second seminar of the Skin NTD Seminar series, we focus on the pathogenesis of skin neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), featuring expert insights into two major challenges: Tuberculosis and Leprosy. This is the second and final seminars on the topic of Skin NTD Pathogenesis. However, the Skin NTD Seminars will continue in to late 2025 and 2026
Unmasking Human Tuberculosis: Insights into Granuloma Biology and Disease Pathogenesis, Prof Adrie Steyn, AHRI & University of Alabama, South Africa & USA
Despite decades of research, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) remains a formidable pathogen. Central to its persistence and pathogenesis is the spectrum of TB lesions, which is yet undefined. In this talk, Adrie will present insights derived from the systematic study of human TB lesions obtained from surgically resected and postmortem lung tissue. Leveraging spatial transcriptomics, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and multiplexed imaging, he will describe the cellular architecture and molecular gradients that shape TB lesion fate. Ultimately, these insights may accelerate the development of diagnostics, therapies, and vaccines that are more attuned to the true biology of TB in humans.
Leprosy: History, Pathogenesis, and Treatment, Dr Márcia Rodrigues Jardim, Fiocruz, Brazil
Leprosy primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves, with leprosy neuropathy being its most serious and potentially disabling manifestation. Dr Jardim will provide an overview of the disease, highlight recent scientific advances in its pathogenesis, and explore the crucial role of early diagnosis and treatment.
About the Speakers
Prof Adrie JC Steyn PhD, AHRI & University of Alabama, South Africa & USA
Adrie was appointed at AHRI in Durban, South Africa, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham AL, USA. He is interested in the bioenergetics of Mtb, mode of action of anti-TB drugs targeting the Mtb electron transport chain, and the immunometabolism of Mtb infected host cells. He also studies the spectrum of active TB lesions using a range of next-generation technologies i.e., spatial transcriptomics, multiplex immunofluorescence, metallomics, high-resolution proteomics, 3D structures of granulomas and leads efforts to identify latent TB infected lesions in the lungs of decedents who died of causes other than TB.
Dr Márcia Rodrigues Jardim, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (Fiocruz), Brazil
Dr Jardim is Professor of Neurology and a clinician at the Leprosy Laboratory of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute. Her research focuses on the neurological impacts of leprosy, especially leprosy neuropathy, and improving strategies for early diagnosis and intervention.
