About the CHERI-SPAR project
The CHERI-SPAR sub-study is an extension of the CHERI Study, which investigates cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in low birth weight and premature infants in a low- and middle-income setting. While the CHERI Study examines CMV infection specifically, CHERI-SPAR takes a broader approach, focusing on mucosal immunity beyond CMV to gain insights into overall immune development in premature infants. By analysing salivary antibodies, CHERI-SPAR aims to provide new insights into early antibody responses in this vulnerable population.
Mucosal immunity plays a crucial role in frontline defense against infections. CHERI-SPAR investigates this by measuring polyreactive and total IgA/IgG antibodies in saliva samples collected from preterm infants enrolled in the CHERI Study. This research explores whether salivary antibodies can serve as prognostic biomarkers, helping to predict infection susceptibility and immune development in premature babies.
CHERI-SPAR team
Drs. Lesego Rantho (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
Drs. Geert van Weelden (Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands)
Ms. Nicole Prins (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
Dr. Marieke van der Zalm (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
Prof. Helena Rabie (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
Dr. Clive Gray (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
Dr. Lilly Verhagen (Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands & Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
Dr. Helen Payne (Imperial College London & Stellenbosch University, South Africa)