“Valuation of immunomodulatory properties of short-chain fatty acids produced by the gut microbiome on immune cell functions in TB patients.”
Country of Study
South Africa
Institution
Stellenbosch University
Expected Year of Completion
2026
Thematic Area
Health and Life Sciences
Education
Loide holds a Master of Science degree in Molecular Biology from JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in India. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Molecular Biology at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Loide has completed her coursework and successfully defended her research proposal. She is expected to defend her dissertation in December 2026, with graduation in February 2027.
Research Summary
Loide’s research explores the role of the microbiome in tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis, focusing on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbiota. These SCFAs are known to influence immune responses, but their impact on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection, especially in individuals with active TB, remains underexplored. The study compares different sample types and disease states to identify immunological profiles linked to microbiome diversity. In vivo experiments will assess how SCFAs affect immune cells, specifically alveolar macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in their ability to control M.tb growth. The research aims to deepen understanding of how microbiome-derived metabolites influence immune responses and TB disease severity, with the goal of informing new therapeutic strategies to improve TB outcomes.
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