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RIRCA Highlights Insights on Maternal CMV and HIV Interplay – The Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa
The Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa/rirca.science
Nov 24, 2025, 11:42

RIRCA Highlights Insights on Maternal CMV and HIV Interplay – The Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa

The Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa shared a post on LinkedIn about a paper by Brandon Paarwater et al. published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B:

“Just published! ‘Joining the dots: maternal cytomegalovirus, HIV and the placenta.’

We’re excited to share a new RIRCA-led opinion piece in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B.

This article explores how maternal CMV–HIV co-infection during pregnancy may disrupt immune balance at the maternal–feotal interface, with knock-on effects for infant immunity, especially in HIV-exposed uninfected newborns (HEUs).

The concept of ‘vertical transmission of inflammation’ is introduced, where maternal immune activation (even without viral transmission) can influence birth outcomes through placental dysfunction.

RIRCA members who co-authored this work: Brandon Paarwater, Doty Ojwach, Nicole Prins, Clive M Gray and Helen Payne.

Alongside a brilliant international team across South Africa, the USA, and the UK.

Read the open-access article.

Part of the special issue: The indirect effects of cytomegalovirus infection: mechanisms and consequences.”

Title: Joining the dots: maternal cytomegalovirus, HIV and the placenta

Authors: Brandon Paarwater, Doty Ojwach, Nicole Prins, Rana Chakraborty, Erica Johnson, Viviane Schuch, Mark R. Schleiss, Clive M. Gray, Helen Payne

The Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa

Stay updated on all scientific advances in the field of fertility with Fertility News.

Africa African Research Birth Outcomes Brandon Paarwater Clinical Research Clive M. Gray Cytomegalovirus Cytomegalovirus Infection Doty Ojwach Fertility Fertility News fertility research Helen Payne HIV HIV Co-Infection HIV-Exposed Newborns Immunology Infant Immunity Maternal Cytomegalovirus maternal health Maternal Immune Activation Nicole Prins Opinion Piece Patient-Centered Care Philosophical Transactions Placental Dysfunction Pregnancy Research Public Health reproductive health Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium RIRCA The Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa Women's Health Advocacy Women’s Health
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