Brandon Antony Paarwater
PhD Candidate
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Occupation:PhD Candidate
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Email:
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EDUCATION:MSc
EXPERIENCE
In 2022, Brandon enthusiastically joined the RIRCA lab, fueled by a deep passion for exploring immune tolerance in the context of inflammation, infection, and reproductive immunology. One of RIRCA’s research niche is maternal-foetal interface immunobiology, utilizing the placenta to study localized immune responses. Brandon’s project revolves around a captivating investigation of T cells within this unique immunological microenvironment, specifically focusing on pregnant women grappling with HIV-1 and/or Human Cytomegalovirus co-infection. At the heart of his research question lies the exploration of cytotoxic T cells, and he has developed a profound appreciation for the complexity inherent in these remarkable immune warriors!
INTERVIEWS
INTRODUCTION
Brandon is a PhD student diving into the science of pregnancy, immunity, and infection.
🧬 His research journey has spanned TB Immunology, Inborn Errors of Immunity, and now focuses on immune tolerance at the maternal–foetal interface.
🧫 Since joining the RIRCA in 2022, he’s been investigating how T cells behave within the placenta – a uniquely complex immunological microenvironment.
🔬His current project dives deep into the immune responses of pregnant women living with HIV-1 and/or CMV co-infection. By studying cytotoxic T cells in this context, Brandon is helping illuminate how inflammation and infection shape maternal–foetal immune dynamics.
🌍 Brandon’s work is part of RIRCA’s broader mission to advance understanding of maternal–foetal interface immunobiology and improve health outcomes across Africa and beyond.
YOUR CURRENT PROJECT
🎥 Meet Brandon Paarwater our PhD Candidate
🥼 Find out his role at RIRCA and why everyday fuels his passion for his postgrad.
🌍 His research explores how HIV and CMV shape immune responses at the maternal–foetal interface – bringing new insight to African science.
🌳 Discover what inspires him outside of the lab.
🎥 Watch the video to MeetTheTeam
BEHIND THE SCENES
🎥 Meet RIRCA’s Brandon Paarwater!
🧪 Brandon’s research centres on flow cytometry, a technique for studying immune cells in action.
🔍 At RIRCA, he’s using it to phenotype T cells and uncover how they behave in the placenta—especially during HIV and CMV infections.
🤰 His goal is to help prevent babies from being born with neurodevelopmental challenges linked to maternal viral infections.
🌍 Brandon’s work is advancing African-led science at the maternal–foetal interface.
FUTURE PLANS
🔬 Why Immunology?
I’m drawn to immunology’s complexity and its potential to transform clinical care. Understanding regulatory mechanisms behind immune tolerance is key – especially in reproductive and infectious diseases – where immune dysregulation remains a major challenge. This knowledge can unlock new therapeutic possibilities!
🌍 Career Vision
I aim to become a leading scientist, translating immunological insights into real-world impact. I’m particularly focused on using advanced sequencing to explore immune interactions in conditions like CMV, HIV-1, and metabolic disorders.
💡 Advice to Future Immunologists
Stay curious, stay committed and persevere through the journey!
🔭 10-Year Outlook
I see myself contributing to the immunology clinical interpretation, immunopathology, and the development of immunotherapeutic strategies.
AWARDS
| Award Name | Dates | Awarding Body |
|---|---|---|
| National Research Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship | 2022-Present | National Research Foundation |
| Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursary | 2022-2024 | Poliomyelitis Research Foundation |
AWARDED GRANTS
| Funding Body/Grant Name | Dates | Project Title |
|---|---|---|
| National Institutes of Health, 1R21 HD103498-01 | 2020-2024 | Mechanisms by which trophoblasts recruit T cells to the placental villi during maternal HIV and CMV co-infection (PI: Gray/Chakraborty) |
| Harry Crossley Project Funding | 2023 | Mechanisms by which trophoblasts recruit T cells to the placental villi during maternal HIV and CMV co-infection |
