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Mbali Nondumiso Mkhonza is a third year PhD student under the supervision of Associate Professor Nelita du Plessis in the Division of Immunology at Stellenbosch University. Following the completion of her undergraduate studies in 2017, she went on to do her BSc Hons (2018) and MSc degrees (2021) in Molecular Biology, with her research focusing on the role of specific genes in mycobacteria infection. Mbali’s research interests include taking an in-depth look at the immune system’s response to infection, specifically focusing on the role that certain immune/effector cells play during the host’s response.
Tell us a bit about the current research work that you are part of?
My current research focuses on the role of MHC-related protein 1 (MR1)-restricted T (MR1T) cells in tuberculosis disease progression. MR1T cells are an innate-like T cell subset, which has been studied in various disease, including cancer, HIV, and tuberculosis. I’m interested in the proportion of these cells that are bacterially activated (we’re able to sort for these specific cells using a tetramer) and want to characterise their phenotype as well as perform a functional assessment of the cytokines that they release. Since tuberculosis continues to be a burdensome disease, exploring this subset of T cells may help shed light on how other effector cells could be assisting the host to defend itself, with the ultimate goal of host-directed therapeutics.
What made you choose the field of Immunology over others?
As I moved more and more into the field of disease research, I wanted to understand our immune system’s response to disease better. I find it so fascinating that our immune system has all these mechanisms it employs to fight off infections and diseases, with the ultimate goal of keeping us alive.
What drew you to Immunopaedia?
After hearing about Immunopaedia from a peer, I searched the website and was very interested in being part of a platform that highlights so much of the incredible research that is going on globally and offers courses that help people learn more about Immunology. I also really enjoy reading the profiles of different researchers.
What advice do you have for fellow researchers that are interested in Immunology?
I would definitely encourage them to explore this field with an open mind. So often we feel restricted in how our knowledge applies to areas outside of our initial training/projects, but Immunology is such a big umbrella and there are still so many avenues that remain to be explored, so no one should limit themselves and think they can’t contribute.
If you were not involved in Immunology, what other scientific fields do you see yourself contributing to?
If I wasn’t involved in Immunology, I would probably pursue a career in science communication and highlighting the importance of medical research to various organisations (schools, government etc).
If you could learn and perform the assay/laboratory technique of your dreams, which one would that be and why?
I would like to work with animal models. This would allow us to get a more holistic view of the impact that the disease and these specific cells have on the host.
If anyone was visiting Cape Town, South Africa for the first time, what do you feel are top 5 things they must not leave without experiencing?
- Red Bus Tour – this will give you a snapshot of the beautiful sights in Cape Town
- Table Mountain – if you’re in Cape Town you must go up Table Mountain (either hike up the mountain or take the cable car – P. S. I am yet to do the hike!)
- The Lookout Hout Bay – you must have some seafood right by the water’s edge! The smell of the ocean as you’re enjoying an afternoon lunch or evening dinner makes it that more special.
- Picnic at Kirstenbosch Gardens – one of the best things to do is just chill with friends, enjoying good food and surrounded by nature.
- Franschhoek Wine Tram – you’ll have the opportunity to see different wine farms along the route and can hop on and off the tram!
