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).

2. Maternal dysbiosis produces long-lasting behaviouralchanges in offspring (DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02794-0)

Moderator: NelisaMakaleni (@nelly_saciar)

Panelists: Blessing Moses (@emeraldeey) and ValenciaChauke

Production: Zd Creations

Creator: Immun-Vir JC

Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)

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).

2. Selective remodelling of the adipose niche in obesity and weight loss. (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09233-2).

Moderator: Adijat Jimoh (@deejah_deej)

Panelists: Wealth Okete (@de_dew001) and Sonwabile Dzanibe (@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sonwa_dzanibe⁠⁠)

Production: Zd Creations

Creator: Immun-Vir JC

Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)

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).

2. Breastfeeding and early Bifidobacterium-driven microbialcolonization shape the infant gut resistome. (DOI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠10.1038/s41467-025-61154-w⁠).

Moderator: Rachael Gachogo

Panelists: Zwile Zungu (@zwilezungu) and Gadisi Nthambeleni(@⁠⁠⁠⁠ gadisinth)

Production: Zd Creations

Creator: Immun-Vir JC

Music: iLethu (@Mphephethwa_sa)