Immunology
To be among the best immunology research laboratories in the African sub-region
To undertake quality world class research to improve the quality of life of Ghanaians and the world.
Departmental Research Activities
The Immunology Department’s primary objective is to research immunological consequences of communicable and non-communicable diseases of public health importance in Ghana, the African sub-region, and the world in general with the secondary objective of improving the quality of life for Ghanaians and the world at large through quality and world-class research.
As malaria continues to be the major health issue in Ghana, the Department over the years has concentrated on understanding the pathology associated with the disease including cerebral malaria, severe malaria anemia, pregnancy-associated malaria or placental malaria, and pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. The Department has also developed a strong immuno-genetic capacity for our efforts in understanding the pathologies associated with malaria infections. In addition to understanding the host-parasite interaction, the Department has been involved and collaborated with other international partners in identifying malaria vaccine candidates as our contribution to developing a potent vaccine against malaria. Some of the potential vaccine candidates we have been working on include, PfEMP-1-based vaccines specifically against Pregnancy-Associated malaria (VAR2CSA), transmission-blocking vaccines, and T cell-based vaccines targeting liver-stage parasites as well as PfRh5 as a possible vaccine candidate. Also, the Department has been investigating co-infections of malaria with other diseases such as HIV, Schistosomiasis, Burkitt’s lymphomas, Diabetes, and hepatitis.
Mensah, GI; Boakye AN, Basingnaa A, Owusu E, Antwi-Baffour, S, Ofori, MF, Addo KK, Jackson-Sillah D, Adekambi T. Identification of Serum Cytokine Biomarkers Associated with Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Immuno 2021, 1, 400–409. https://doi.org/10.3390/ immuno1040028
Kusi KA, Frimpong A, Partey FD, Lamptey H, Amoah LE, Ofori MF. High infectious disease burden as a basis for the observed high frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections in sub-Saharan Africa AAS Open Res 2021, 4:2 (https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13196.3
Larsen MD, Lopez-Perez M, Dickson EK, Ampomah P, Tuikue Ndam N, Nouta J, Koeleman CAM, Ederveen ALH, Mordmüller B, Salanti A, Nielsen MA, Massougbodji A, van der Schoot CE, Ofori MF, Wuhrer M, Hviid L, Vidarsson G. Afucosylated Plasmodium falciparum-specific IgG is induced by infection but not by subunit vaccination. Nat Commun. 2021 Oct 5;12(1):5838. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-26118-w.PMID: 34611164
Ofori EA, Tetteh JKA, Frimpong A, Ganeshan H, Belmonte M, Peters B, Villasante E, Sedegah M, Ofori MF, Kusi KA. Comparison of the impact of allelic polymorphisms in PfAMA1 on the induction of T Cell responses in high and low malaria endemic communities in Ghana. Malar J. 2021 Sep 10;20(1):367. doi: 10.1186/s12936-021-03900-1.PMID: 34507582
Sarpong-Baidoo M, Ofori MF, Asuming-Brempong EK, Kyei-Baafour E, Idun BK, Owusu-Frimpong I, Amonoo NA, Quarshie QD, Tettevi EJ, Osei-Atweneboana MY. Associations of IL13 gene polymorphisms and immune factors with Schistosoma haematobium infection in schoolchildren in four schistosomiasis-endemic communities in Ghana. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021 Jun 29;15(6):e0009455.
Quashie PK, Mutungi JK, Dzabeng F. Daniel Oduro-Mensah, Precious C. Opurum, Kesego Tapela, Aniefiok John Udoakang, WACCBIP COVID-19 Team, Ivy Asante, Lily Paemka, Frederick Kumi-Ansah, Osbourne Quaye , Emmanuela Amoako , Ralph Armah , Charlyne Kilba, Nana Afia Boateng, Michael Ofori, George B. Kyei, Yaw Bediako, Nicaise Ndam, James Abugri, Patrick Ansah, William K. Ampofo, Francisca Mutapi, Gordon A. Awandare. Trends of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody prevalence in selected regions across Ghana Wellcome Open Res 2021, 6:173 (https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16890.1)
Nortey-Mensah R, Teye MA, Ofori MF. The carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in the asexual intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Asian J Trop Biotechnol. 2021, 18:13-27.
Tetteh M, Addai-Mensah O, Siedu Z, Kyei-Baafour E, Lamptey H, Williams J, Kupeh E, Egbi G, Kwayie AB, Abbam G, Afrifah DA, Debrah AY, Ofori MF. Acute Phase Responses Vary Between Children of HbAS and HbAA Genotypes During Plasmodium falciparum Infection. J Inflamm Res. 2021 Apr 14;14:1415-1426.
Kyei-Baafour E, Oppong M, Kusi KA, Frempong AF, Aculley B, Arthur FKN, Tiendrebeogo RW, Singh SK, Theisen M, Kweku M, Adu B, Hviid L, Ofori MF. Suitability of IgG responses to multiple Plasmodium falciparum antigens as markers of transmission intensity and pattern. PLoS One. 2021 Apr 22;16(4): e0249936.
Ofori MF, Kploanyi EE, Mensah BA, Dickson EK, Kyei-Baafour E, Gyabaa S, Tetteh M, Koram KA, Abuaku BK, Ghansah A. Ex-vivo sensitivity profile of Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates to a panel of antimalarial drugs in Ghana thirteen years after national policy change. Infect Drug Resist. 2021:14, 267 -276
Abuaku B, Amoah LE, Peprah NY, Asamoah A, Amoako EO, Donu D, et al. Malaria parasitaemia and mRDT diagnostic performances among symptomatic individuals in selected health care facilities across Ghana. BMC Public Health. 2021;21(1):239.
Acquah FK, Donu D, Obboh EK, Bredu D, Mawuli B, Amponsah JA, Quartey J, Amoah LE. Diagnostic performance of an ultrasensitive HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic test kit used in surveys of afebrile people living in Southern Ghana. Malar J. 2021;20(1):125.
Amoah LE, Abukari Z, Dawson-Amoah ME, Dieng CC, Lo E, Afrane YA. Population structure and diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in children with asymptomatic malaria living in different ecological zones of Ghana. BMC Infect Dis. 2021;21(1):439.
Amoah LE, Asare KK, Dickson D, Abankwa J, Busayo A, Bredu D, Annan S, Asumah GA, Peprah NY, Asamoah A, Laurencia Malm K. Genotypic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency protects against Plasmodium falciparum infection in individuals living in Ghana. PLoS One. 2021;16(9):e0257562.
Ayanful-Torgby R, Sarpong E, Abagna HB, Donu D, Obboh E, Mensah BA, Adjah J, Williamson KC, Amoah LE. Persistent Plasmodium falciparum infections enhance transmission-reducing immunity development. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):21380.
Bredu D, Donu D, Amoah LE. Dynamics of the Composition of Plasmodium Species Contained within Asymptomatic Malaria Infections in the Central Region of Ghana. J Trop Med. 2021;2021:7419548.
Debrah I, Afrane YA, Amoah LE, Ochwedo KO, Mukabana WR, Zhong D, Zhou G, Lee MC, Onyango SA, Magomere EO, Atieli H, Githeko AK, Yan G. Larval ecology and bionomics of Anopheles funestus in highland and lowland sites in western Kenya. PLoS One. 2021;16(10):e0255321.
Frimpong A, Amponsah J, Adjokatseh AS, Agyemang D, Bentum-Ennin L, Ofori EA, Kyei-Baafour E, Akyea-Mensah K, Adu B, Mensah GI, Amoah LE, Kusi KA. Elevated Levels of the Endothelial Molecules ICAM-1, VEGF-A, and VEGFR2 in Microscopic Asymptomatic Malaria. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2021;8(7):ofab302.
Quaye IK, Aleksenko L, Oeuvray C, Yewhalaw D, Duah N, Gyan B, Haiyambo DH, Dongho GBD, Torgby RA, Amoah L, Hamid MA, Worku S, Bahiti AA, Pasquale HA, Bitshi M, Troare I, Diarra A, Njunju E, Cisse M, Soulama I, Savadogo RJ, Issifou S, Niangaly A, Dembele L, Greco B. The Pan African Vivax and Ovale Network (PAVON): Refocusing on Plasmodium vivax, ovale and asymptomatic malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Parasitol Int. 2021;84:102415.
Broni FK, Acquah FK, Obiri-Yeboah D, Obboh EK, Sarpong E, Amoah LE. Profiling the Quality and Quantity of Naturally Induced Antibody Responses Against Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 Among Non-Febrile Children Living in Southern Ghana: A Longitudinal Study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021;11:770821.
Ayertey F, Ofori-Attah E, Antwi S, Amoa-Bosompem M, Djameh G, Lartey NL, Ohashi M, Kusi KA, Appiah AM, Appiah-Opong R, Okine LKN (2021). Anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of action of ethanolic leaf extract of Morinda lucida Benth. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.07.001.
Domfeh S, Narkwa PW, Quaye O, Kusi KA, Awandare GA, Ansah C, Salam A, Mutocheluh M (2021). Cryptolepine inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth through inhibiting interleukin-6/STAT3 signalling. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.
Osei-Wusu S, Otchere ID, Morgan P, Musah AB, Siam IM, Asandem D, Afum T, Asare P, Asante-Poku A, Kusi KA, Sebastien Gagneux S, Yeboah-Manu D (2021). Genotypic and phenotypic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex genotypes prevalent in West Africa. PLoS ONE 16(8):e0255433.
Nlinwe ONN, Ofori EA, Akyea-Mensah K, Kyei-Baafour E, Ganeshan H, Belmonte M, Peters B, Villasante E, Sedegah M, Kusi KA (2021). Comparative analysis of the ex vivo IFN-Gamma Responses to CD8+ T cell epitopes within allelic forms of PfAMA1 in Subjects with Natural Exposure to Malaria. PLoS ONE 16(9): e0257219
Domfeh S, Narkwa PW, Quaye O, Kusi KA, Rivera O, Danaah MM, Musah BAN, Awandare GA, Mensah KB, Mutocheluh M (2021). Cryptolepine and Nibima inhibit hepatitis B virus replication. Scientific African 13, e00942
Kyei-Baafour E, Kusi KA, Arthur FKN, Sarkodie-Addo T, Theisen M, Dodoo D, Adu B (2021). IgG3 hinge region length polymorphism is associated with cerebral malaria in Ghanaian children. J Infect Dis. 2021 Oct 28;jiab548. DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab548
Lamptey, H., Bonney, E. Y., Adu, B., & Kyei, G. B. (2021). Are Fc Gamma Receptor Polymorphisms Important in HIV-1 Infection Outcomes and Latent Reservoir Size?. Frontiers in immunology, 12, 656894. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.656894
Bonney, E. Y., Lamptey, H., Aboagye, J. O., Zaab-Yen Abana, C., Boateng, A. T., Quansah, D., Obo-Akwa, A., Ganu, V. J., Puplampu, P., Kyei, G. B., & H-CRIS Massive Action Team (2021). Unwillingness of patients in Ghana to interrupt antiretroviral therapy for HIV cure research. Journal of virus eradication, 7(1), 100027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jve.2020.100027
Obodai E, Kyei GB, Aboagye J, Bonney EY, Asante IA, Bonney JKH, Adusei-Poku M, Lamptey H, Adu B, Kenu E, Koram KA, Ampofo WK and Odoom JK. Data management during COVID-19 outbreak response in Ghana: a reference laboratory perspective on key issues and measures Ghana Med J 2021; 55(2) supplement: 51-55 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v55i2s.8
Adu B, Bonney JKH, Odoom JK, Bonney EYA, Obodai E, Asante IA, Aboagye J, Adusei-Poku MA, Lartey L, Asiedu EK, Ampofo WK and Kyei GB. SARS-CoV-2 detection among international air travellers to Ghana during mandatory quarantine Ghana Med J 2021; 55(2) supplement: 48-50 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v55i2s.7
Garcia-Senosiain A, Kana IH, Singh S, Das MK, Dziegiel MH, Hertegonne S, Adu B, Theisen M. Neutrophils dominate in opsonic phagocytosis of P. falciparum blood-stage merozoites and protect against febrile malaria. Commun Biol. 2021 Aug 19;4(1):984. DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02511-5. PubMed PMID: 34413459; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8376957.
Tchum SK, Sakyi SA, Adu B, Arthur F, Oppong FB, Dzabeng F, Amoani B, Gyan T, Poku-Asante K. Impact of IgG response to malaria-specific antigens and immunity against malaria in pre-school children in Ghana. A cluster randomized, placebo-controlled trial. PLoS One. 2021;16(7):e0253544. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253544. eCollection 2021. PubMed PMID: 34283841; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8291688.
Dassah S, Adu B, Sirima SB, Mordmüller B, Ngoa UA, Atuguba F, Arthur FKN, Mensah BA, Kaddumukasa M, Bang P, Kremsner PG, Mategula D, Flach C, Milligan P, Theisen M. Extended follow-up of children in a phase2b trial of the GMZ2 malaria vaccine. Vaccine. 2021 Jul 13;39(31):4314-4319. DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.06.024. Epub 2021 Jun 24. PubMed PMID: 34175127.
Lambrecht NJ, Wilson ML, Baylin A, Folson G, Naabah S, Eisenberg JNS, Adu B, Jones AD. Associations between livestock ownership and lower odds of anaemia among children 6-59 months old are not mediated by animal-source food consumption in Ghana. Matern Child Nutr. 2021 Jul;17(3):e13163. DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13163. Epub 2021 Mar 1. PubMed PMID: 33645904; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8189243.
Amoani B, Gyan B, Sakyi SA, Abu EK, Nuvor SV, Barnes P, Sarkodie-Addo T, Ahenkorah B, Sewor C, Dwomoh D, Theisen M, Cappello M, Wilson MD, Adu B. Effect of hookworm infection and anthelmintic treatment on naturally acquired antibody responses against the GMZ2 malaria vaccine candidate and constituent antigens. BMC Infect Dis. 2021 Apr 8;21(1):332. DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06027-5. PubMed PMID: 33832450; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8028774.
Dwomoh D, Iddi S, Adu B, Aheto JM, Sedzro KM, Fobil J, Bosomprah S. Mathematical modeling of COVID-19 infection dynamics in Ghana: Impact evaluation of integrated government and individual level interventions. Infect Dis Model. 2021;6:381-397. DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2021.01.008. Epub 2021 Jan 22. PubMed PMID: 33521403; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7826007.
Tchum SK, Arthur FK, Adu B, Sakyi SA, Abubakar LA, Atibilla D, Amenga-Etego S, Oppong FB, Dzabeng F, Amoani B, Gyan T, Arhin E, Poku-Asante K. Impact of iron fortification on anaemia and iron deficiency among pre-school children living in Rural Ghana. PLoS One. 2021;16(2):e0246362. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246362. Collection 2021. PubMed PMID: 33571267; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7877575.
Internal Collaborator(s)
- Prof Kwadwo Ansah Koram, Dr Benjamin Abuaku, Dr. Mary Amoakoh-Coleman, Dr. Susan Adu-Amankwah, Dr Anacy Quashie, Prof. Collins Ahorlu – Epidemiology Department, NMIMR
- Prof William Ampofo, Dr John Kofi Odoom, Dr Ivy Asantewaa Asante, Dr Evelyn Yayra Bonney, Dr Kofi H. Bonney, Dr. George Kyei – Virology Department
- Dr Anita Ghansah - Parasitology Department, NMIMR
- Prof Kwasi K. Addo, Dr Gloria Ivy- Mensah, Dr. Adwoa Asante-Poku, Dr. Beverly Egyir – Bacteriology Department
- Prof George Armah, Dr Susan Damanka – Electron Microscopy Department
- Dr Godfred Egbi – Nutrition Department
- Dr. Samuel Adjei – Animal Experimentation Department
- Prof. Michael Wilson, Parasitology
External Collaborator(s)
- Prof Lars Hviid, Prof Anja Jensen, Prof Lea Barford, Prof Ali Salanti, Prof Nielsen Morten, -University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Dr. Martha Sedegah, Naval Medical Research Center, USA
- Dr. Evelina Angov, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, USA
- Dr. Mary Ante Chama, Prof. Kwaku Kyereme, Dr Richard Amewu, Prof Dorcas Osei-Safo, Chemistry Department, UG
- Dr. Emelia Oppong-Bekoe, Dr. Selorme Adukpo, Prof. Irene Kyrekyi, School of Pharmacy, UG
- Prof. Yaw Afrane, Dr. Nicholas Trebi, Microbiology Department, UGMS
- Prof Kim Williamson, USUHS, USA
- Charles Mace, Tuffs University, USA
- Jaline Gerardin, Northwestern University
- Eugenia Lo, Univeristy of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Aubrey Cunnington, Imperial College, London
- Julius Hafalla, LSHTM, UK
- Dr Daniel Amoako-Sakyi, Prof Dorcas Obiri Yeboah, UCC
- Dr Cynthia Boamah, KNUST
- Anne Poinsignon, Rachida Tahar, Nicaise Ndam, David Coutin, IRD France
- Luc DJOGBENOU, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
- Keziah Malm, Nana Yaw Peprah, GeorgeAsumah, Alex Asamoah, NMCP
- Prof. Ama Aikins, RIPS, UG
- Prof. Gordon Awandare, Dr. Yaw Aniweh, Dr. Peter Quarshie, WACCBIP
- Africa Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
- African Academic of Sciences
- Africa Centers for Disease Control
- European and Developing Countries Clinical Trial partnership
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark
- Washington University In St. Louis, USA
- Naval Medical Research Center, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical School, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical School, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, USA
- National Malaria Control Program, Ghana
- Abbott USA
- Aqsens Health Ltd, Finland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation
- National Malaria Control Program, Ghana
- NIH/NIAID USA
- Center for Disease Control, USA
- USA Department of Defense
- University of Ghana Research Fund
- Cellnutrition Health Ltd, Ireland
- African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA)
