Pathocast in Review

About Pathocast in Review

The Pathocast in Review adopts a journal club format to critically dissect the latest research in immunology, virology, and infectious disease. Join our panellist as they deep-dive into recently published studies in a roundtable discussion. Leaving no stone unturned—we cover groundbreaking work across basic science, translational research, and clinical studies that are pushing the boundaries of the field. follow us on: Instagram - instagram.com/pathocast_review Tiktok - www.tiktok.com/@pathocast_rev

Publisher

Zd_creation

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Jun 2025

Latest episode

4 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Oct 2026

   From Immune Beginnings to Broader Protection

   Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S2. Ep5 What if the first week of life is not simply a period of immuneimmaturity, but a highly regulated state of immune adaptation? In this episode,we explore transcriptomic changes in newborns from two African populations,revealing that age shapes early-life immune responses more strongly thanpopulation, with a striking surge in neutrophils alongside tight regulation ofinflammation. Are we telling the story of early-life immunity correctly? We then turn to mRNA influenza vaccination and ask whether enhancedgerminal-centre B-cell maturation can drive broader and more diverse antibodyresponses than conventional split-virus vaccination across successive fluseasons. Will we ever have a universal flu vaccine? Papers in Review: 1. Population-specificheterogeneity in ontogeny of the broadly conserved blood transcriptionalprogram during the first week of life (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-73244-4 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-73244-4)) 2. mRNA-based influenza vaccineexpands the B cell response breadth in humans (DOI: 10.1038/s41590-026-02569-5 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-026-02569-5)) Moderator: Gadisi Nthambeleni Panelists: Blessing Moses and AlilitaLajoboda Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC

2. 

   6 Sept 2026

   From Dieting to Treat Cancer to Fine-Tuning Child Survival

   Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S2. Ep4 What do diet, the gut microbiome, and multi-omicshave in common? In this episode we explore how the gutmicrobiome, microbial metabolites and Th17 cells may connect ketogenic diets with colorectal cancer protection. We then dive into multi-omic data from infants across Africa and Southeast Asia, where malnutrition emerged as thestrongest predictor of post-discharge mortality, withproteomic biomarkers outperforming metabolic and metagenomic approaches. Papers in Review: 1. Ketogenic diet suppressescolorectal cancer through the gutmicrobiome long chain fatty acid stearate (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56678-0 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56678-0)) 2. Multiomics characterization ofacute child illness and mortality in Africa and South Asia (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-69754-w (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69754-w)) Moderator: Bliss Musvosvi Panelists: Nelisa Makeleni and SonwabileDzanibe Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC

3. 

   16 Aug 2026

   From Fasting Immune Cells to the Gut–Neurodiversity

   Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S2. Ep3 – Can we really improve vaccine responses by giving someone a meal first, or is there a deeper connection between fasting, diet, and immunity? And could ADHD and autism have roots in the gut? In this episode, we explore how fasting and dietary lipids can change the fitness and function of the immune system, and how interactions between the microbiome and the epigenome in early life may influence a baby’s neurodevelopmental trajectory. Papers in Review: 1. Postprandial lipid metabolism durably enhances T cell immunity (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10432-8 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10432-8)). 2. Epigenome-microbiome interplay in early life associates with infants' neurodevelopmental outcomes (DOI:10.1016j.cpblue.2026.100009 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpblue.2026.100009)⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08485-8)⁠⁠⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.106070)) Moderator: Sonwabile Dzanibe Panelists: Wealth Okete and Valencia Chauke Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC

4. 

   2 Aug 2026

   From Engineered Breast Milk to Crossing Africa's Microbiome Borders

   Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S2. Ep2 – What if we could give formula-fed babies some of the same microbiome advantages as breastfeeding? And why does the microbiome look so different across Africa while remaining unique to the rest of the world? Join us as we unpack the science behind infant gut development, explore an innovative antibody-based approach to directing microbiome development in formula-fed infants, and travel across the continent to discover how environment, culture and lifestyle create one of the world's most diverse microbial landscapes. This episode reveals why understanding Africa's microbiome is essential for developing equitable, context-specific health interventions. Papers in Review: 1. A newborn derived monoclonal IgM antibody selectively modulates microbial metabolism in the gut (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63585-x (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-63585-x)). 2. Expanding the human gut microbiome atlas of Africa (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08485-8 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08485-8)⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.106070)) Moderator: Zwile Zungu Panelists: Rachael Gachogo and Dean Brink Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC

5. 

   21 Jun 2026

   From Universal Vaccines to Smarter HIV Vaccines

   Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S2. Ep1 – The wait is over. In this episode, we explore cutting-edge advances in vaccinology and immunology, from the pursuit of a universal vaccine to innovative strategies aimed at enhancing HIV vaccine efficacy. We discuss the exciting possibility of a single mucosal vaccine capable of providing protection against a broad range of pathogens and examine the scientific challenges involved in achieving this goal. We also shift gears to the role of immune checkpoint blockade in reversing immune exhaustion in people living with HIV. Could restoring immune function enhance vaccine-induced protection? Join us as we unpack emerging approaches to reinvigorate CD8 T-cell responses and improve the effectiveness of next-generation vaccines. Papers in Review: 1. Mucosal vaccination in mice provides protection from diverse respiratory threats (DOI: 10.1126/science.aea1260 (https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aea1260)). 2. PD-1 blockade enhances functional vaccine-induced HIV-1 CD8 + T-cell responses in PWH receiving early ART (DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.106070 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.106070)) Moderator: Valencia Chauke Panelists: Nyaradzo Chigorimbo and Bliss Musvosvi Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC

6. 

   21 Dec 2025

   When Biology Meets Inequality

   Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S1. Ep7 – What if winter doesn’t just change the weather but also your microbiome? In this seventh and final episode, we explore how seasonal shifts shape gut microbial diversity, and why fermented foods consumed during colder months may reduce diversity in a beneficial and stabilising way. We then switch our focus to spotlight issues in public health, unpacking how socioeconomic conditions, such as maternal education, income level and wealth which are defined differently across regions, drive adverse birth outcomes, and how context-specific metrics can inform smarter, more equitable interventions to improve infant survival and lifelong health. Papers in Review: 1. Fermented foods affect the seasonal stability of gut bacteria in an Indian rural population (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56014-6 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56014-6)). 2. The Global Network Socioeconomic Status Index as a predictor of stillbirths, perinatal mortality, and neonatal mortality in rural communities in low and lower middle income country sites of the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research (DOI: ⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-024-02794-0)10.1371/journal.pone.0272712 (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272712)) Moderator: Zwile Zungu (@zwilezungu (https://www.instagram.com/zwilezungu/#)) Panelists: Janine Fredericks and Yashodani Pillay (@yashodani) Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)

7. 

   28 Nov 2025

   Womb Echoes: Why Second Pregnancies Flourish and How Ageing Microbiomes Threaten Newborn Brains

   Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S1. Ep6 – The sixth instalment explore how maternal biology shapes the health and development of the next generation. We unpack the maternal immune mechanisms that support a successful pregnancy, focusing on the pivotal role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in preventing miscarriage and ensuring tolerance in subsequent pregnancies. We then shift to the maternal microbiome, examining emerging evidence on how a mother’s microbial community can influence the neurological development of her newborn. Intriguingly, we discuss research showing that microbiomes from older mothers may impart subtle developmental impairments. Papers in Review: 1. Pregnancy-acquired memory CD4+ regulatory T cells improvepregnancy outcome in mice (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61572-w (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61572-w)). 2. Maternal dysbiosis produces long-lasting behaviouralchanges in offspring (DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02794-0 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-024-02794-0)) Moderator: NelisaMakaleni (@nelly_saciar (https://www.instagram.com/nelly_saciar/)) Panelists: Blessing Moses (@emeraldeey (https://www.instagram.com/emeraldeey/)) and ValenciaChauke Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)

8. 

   26 Oct 2025

   Beyond the Years: How HIV and Obesity Rewire Ageing

   Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S1. Ep5 - On this fifth instalment we explore new evidence showing how HIV infection accelerates biological ageing, not just in years lived, but deep in the molecular architecture of antibodies revealing that changes in antibody glycosylation can predict ageing long before clinical signs appear, offering a molecular window into how chronic inflammation reshapes immune function. We then turn to obesity, a condition now understood to reprogram adipose tissue in lasting ways. Even after weight loss, fat tissue retains a form of metabolic memory, driving inflammation and accelerated cellular senescence. But here’s the hopeful part, this ageing process can be partially reversed by weight loss.Papers in Review: 1. Immunoglobulin G N-glycan markers of accelerated biological aging during chronic HIV infection. (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47279-4 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47279-4)). 2. Selective remodelling of the adipose niche in obesity and weight loss. (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09233-2 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09233-2)). Moderator: Adijat Jimoh (@deejah_deej (https://www.instagram.com/deejah_deej/#)) Panelists: Wealth Okete (@de_dew001 (https://www.instagram.com/de_dew001/#)) and Sonwabile Dzanibe (@⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/nelly_saciar/)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/chevalsookram/)sonwa_dzanibe⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/gadisinth/)) Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)

9. 

   28 Sept 2025

   From Ageing Immunity to Infant Gut Resistome

   Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S1. Ep4 - From AgeingImmunity to Infant Gut Resistome. On this fourth instalment, we unpack how ageing reshapes the immune landscape, where multi-omic profiling using single cell RNA-sequencing and mass cytometry reveals that CD8 T cells bear the brunt of age-related changes, while children show a surprising enrichment of cytotoxic B cells. Then, we turn to a longitudinal mother-infant analysis exploring factors that contribute to the development of infant gut resistome, yes the load of antibiotic-resistant genes, with Bifidobacterium being the key player in shaping the infant resistome, protecting against the accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and how early cessation of breastfeeding tips the balance in the wrong direction. Papers in Review: 1. Integrating single-cell RNA and T cell/B cell receptorsequencing with mass cytometry reveals dynamic trajectories of human peripheralimmune cells from birth to old age. (DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-02059-6 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-024-02059-6)). 2. Breastfeeding and early Bifidobacterium-driven microbialcolonization shape the infant gut resistome. (DOI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.03.003)⁠⁠⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08796-4)⁠10.1038/s41467-025-61154-w⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45336-6)). Moderator: Rachael Gachogo Panelists: Zwile Zungu (@zwilezungu (https://www.instagram.com/zwilezungu/)) and Gadisi Nthambeleni(@⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/nelly_saciar/)⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/chevalsookram/) gadisinth (https://www.instagram.com/gadisinth/)) Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)

10. 

    17 Aug 2025

    Immune Harmony and Disruption: IgA in the Gut, and Gestational Diabetes Risks GBS

    Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S1. Ep3 - Immune Harmony and Disruption: IgA in the Gut, and Gestational Diabetes Risks GBS. The third episode explores how secretory IgA shapes intestinal immune balance by limiting viral colonisation, and how its absence triggers a compensatory expansion of CD8 T cells. We also examine how gestational diabetes disrupts maternal immunity and alters the vaginal microbiota, amplifying the harmful effects of Group B Streptococcus colonisation during pregnancy. Papers in Review:1. Immunoglobulin A controls intestinal virus colonization to preserve immune homeostasis (DOI: ⁠⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57368-7)10.1016/j.chom.2025.03.004 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2025.03.004)). 2. Gestational diabetes augments group B Streptococcus infection by disrupting maternal immunity and the vaginal microbiota (DOI: ⁠⁠⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.03.003)⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08796-4)10.1038/s41467-024-45336-6 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45336-6)⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08796-4)). Moderator: Wealth Okete (@wealthokete_) Panelists: Rachael Gachogo and Nelisa Makeleni (@nelly_saciar (https://www.instagram.com/nelly_saciar/#)⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/chevalsookram/#)) Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)

11. 

    13 Jul 2025

    Silent Shifts: How Early Life Antibiotics and Hidden HIV Cells Shape Immunity

    Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S1. Ep2 - Silent Shifts: How Early Life Antibiotics and Hidden HIV Cells Shape Immunity. In this second episode, we explore the far-reaching consequences of early-life antibiotic use. Beyond driving the emergence of antibiotic resistance, these interventions disrupt the developing microbiota—blunting vaccine responses and leaving infants more vulnerable to infections. We also dive into cutting-edge research using a mouse model system to track latently HIV-infected cells. Through the HIV-1-Induced Lineage Tracing (HILT) system, we examine whether these persistent cells express distinguishing markers that could make them identifiable—and ultimately, targetable—for eradication.Papers in Review: 1. Bifidobacteria support optimal infant vaccine responses (DOI: ⁠ (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.03.003)10.1038/s41586-025-08796-4 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08796-4)). 2. Tracking HIV persistence across T cell lineages during early ART-treated HIV-1 infection using a reservoire-marking humanized mouse model (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57368-7 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57368-7)). Moderator: Sonwa Dzanibe (@sonwa_dzanibe)Panelists: Anna Happel and Cheval Sookram (@chevalsookram (https://www.instagram.com/chevalsookram/#)) Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)

12. 

    8 Jun 2025

    Targeting precursor B Cells for bnAbs | Antibiotics to protect uncircumsed men from HIV

    Welcome to Pathocast In Review – S1. Ep1: Targeting precursor B Cells for bnAbs | Antibiotics to protect uncircumsed from HIV. In our premiere episode, we dive into the cutting edge of HIV science. Join us as we explore the latest findings on the quest for an effective HIV vaccine—specifically, how broadly neutralising antibodies are induced by vaccines by targeting extremely rare precursor B cells. We also unpack new research into how antibiotics might offer an unexpected tool in HIV prevention for men who opt not to undergo circumcision. It's a nuanced discussion at the intersection of immunology, microbiota, and global health strategy. Papers in Review: 1. Diverse priming outcomes under conditions of very rare precursor B cells (DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2025.03.003 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.03.003)). 2. Impact of antimicrobials on penile HIV susceptibility and immunology in uncircumcised men: A randomized phase 1/2 clinical trial (DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101705 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101705)). Moderator: Sherazaan Ismail Panelists: Sonwa Dzanibe (@sonwa_dzanibe) and Adijat Jimoh (@deejah_deej) Production: Zd Creations Creator: Immun-Vir JC Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)

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