Among the presenters were Lovisa Lindquist and Olivia Balduf at Lund University Virus Centre (LUVC). Olivia, MSc student in Virology, presented a poster addressing the central research question: "How do early infection dynamics of HIV-1 and HIV-2 modulate B cell responses in ways that may contribute to the B cell perturbations observed in chronic HIV infection?" To investigate this, a human tonsil organoid model was used, and cultures stimulated to assess both polyclonal and virus -vaccine recall responses. After quantifying plasmablast expansion and immunoglobulin secretion under these conditions, the next phase of the project will examine how HIV infection modulates these responses within the model.
Lovisa, PhD student inthe Systems Virology group at the Department of Translational Medicine at LUVC, presented results from her project using phylogenetic analyses to study the within‑host evolution of HIV‑1 during chronic infection in a cohort of police officers in Guinea‑Bissau. By analysing genetic sequences of the HIV‑1 envelope gene, the study explores how viral diversity changes over time and compares the rate of evolution between faster and slower disease progressors. These insights are crucial for understanding virus–host interactions during chronic HIV‑1 infection and may help inform future approaches to treatment and monitoring.
In addition, Professor Mats Ohlin presented his research on Strategies for antibody development and evolution. He also highlighted the LINXS theme Pandemics and Alertness (PandA) as a collaboration initiative aimed to better understand and fight viruses and strengthening preparedness by increasing the use of X-ray and neutron sources by virologists.
