Dr Tomabu Adjobimey is a Beninese scientist and Associate Professor of Immunology and Microbiology under the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES). He earned his PhD in Immunology from the University of Bonn in Germany, where he served as a research group leader at the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology. Dr Adjobimey founded ImmunoScience Solutions (ISS), a science-driven startup focused on immuno-preventive strategies and scientific consultations.
Tomabu’s research looks at the complex relationship between helminth infections and immune tolerance. This relationship may offer valuable insights into potential autoimmune disease and allergy therapies.
He is also deeply committed to promoting scientific collaboration and capacity building in Africa. As President of the 12th Congress of the Federation of African Immunological Societies (FAIS) in 2024, he and his team successfully brought together researchers from across continents to discuss innovative strategies for addressing Africa’s unique health challenges.
Tomabu is the Western Africa Regional Representative on the FAIS Executive Committee. He is also a member of the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) Education Committee and is involved in IUIS courses on Immunopaedia.
What inspired you to specialise in immunology and parasitology?
Growing up in Benin, I was deeply aware of and personally affected by the significant health challenges posed by parasitic infections. Witnessing firsthand the impact of diseases like malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and onchocerciasis initiated my interest in understanding the complex interactions between these parasites and the human immune system. This curiosity led me to specialise in immunology and parasitology, aiming to uncover mechanisms of parasite-induced immune tolerance and explore potential therapeutic strategies for related diseases.
What challenges have had the most significant impact on your career?
Transitioning from Benin to Germany for my PhD studies required adapting to a new cultural and academic environment, which was initially very intimidating but ultimately broadened my perspectives and research capabilities.
My research on the immunological interactions between helminth infections and the human immune system was complex due to the intricate nature of these relationships. For instance, investigating how helminth antigens modulate SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses during the COVID-19 pandemic required navigating uncharted scientific territories and developing innovative experimental approaches.
Another challenge I share with many others is the difficulty of securing support for research in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). These diseases often receive limited attention and resources compared to other health priorities, resulting in a scarcity of financial support. I have also experienced periods of job uncertainty, particularly during transitions between academic positions and research projects. These experiences have highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience in the ever-evolving field of scientific research. They have also motivated me to pursue collaborations and engage in capacity-building initiatives.
These challenges have strengthened my problem-solving skills and deepened my determination to advance scientific knowledge and tackle global health issues, particularly in Africa, where systemic barriers are often more pronounced.
How has your work on helminth-induced immune tolerance influenced your perspective on developing therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases?
It has significantly shaped my perspective. Helminths have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to modulate the host’s immune system, promoting regulatory pathways that suppress excessive inflammatory responses. This immunomodulation is primarily achieved through the induction of regulatory T cells and the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a shift from pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 responses to a modified Th2 response with a strong regulatory arm.
Understanding these mechanisms has provided valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Treatments that restore immune balance in individuals with overactive immune responses may be possible by mimicking the immunoregulatory effects of helminths. For example, helminth-derived molecules are being investigated for their ability to modulate immune function and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and allergic asthma.
How do you balance academic research with its practical applications in global health?
The best way to address this is to focus on translational studies that address pressing health challenges. My recent work has explored the impact of helminth infections on vaccine efficacy. In regions where helminth infections are prevalent, these parasites can modulate the immune system, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of certain vaccines. For instance, studies have shown that chronic helminth infections can lead to decreased vaccine efficacy, as evidenced by findings that indicate established helminth infections at the time of vaccination adversely affect vaccine-specific immune responses.
Our recent research has also investigated the association between helminth seropositivity and COVID-19 severity in Benin. The findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of current or previous helminth infections tend to experience milder COVID-19 symptoms, indicating a potential protective effect of helminth infections against severe disease outcomes.
By aligning laboratory findings with real-world health challenges, I commit to ensuring that my research contributes meaningfully to developing interventions that address the specific needs of affected populations.
What have been your most rewarding collaborations so far?
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of engaging in numerous rewarding collaborations that have meaningfully contributed to advancing our understanding of immunology and parasitology. While all of these collaborations were impactful, a few, in particular, have profoundly shaped my scientific vision and approach.
One significant collaboration was with colleagues at the University Hospital Bonn in Germany, where we conducted in-depth investigations into the immunological mechanisms underlying helminth infections. Prof. Achim Hoerauf, Director of the Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), has been an inspiring figure throughout this partnership—his scientific insight greatly influenced my research direction and professional growth.
Another impactful collaboration was with researchers at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) in Ghana. Together, we explored the immunopathology of lymphatic filariasis, focusing on the role of IgG4 antibodies in modulating granulocyte activation. This work enhanced our comprehension of the disease’s pathological manifestations using samples of infected individuals.
My involvement with FAIS and the IUIS Online Education Committee has provided valuable opportunities to engage with African and international immunology experts and contribute to shaping global educational initiatives. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues has been particularly enriching, offering diverse perspectives that continue to inform and inspire my work.
Finally, serving as President of the 12th Congress of FAIS in 2024 provided a unique opportunity to collaborate with immunologists across Africa and worldwide. Among these collaborations, working closely with Prof. Faith Osier was a particular privilege—her vision greatly inspired me and contributed to shaping my approach to advancing immunology research. This experience was pivotal in fostering meaningful partnerships focused on strengthening vaccine development, scientific collaboration, and capacity building across the continent.
What advice would you offer to young researchers in Africa seeking international recognition?
In Africa, the scientific path is often far more challenging than in other parts of the world, primarily due to limited financial support and the inability of many governments to prioritise research and innovation due to more pressing socioeconomic needs. Despite these obstacles, young African researchers must remain committed to conducting high-quality, solution-oriented research. International recognition should not be an objective but rather the natural result of persistent passion, resilience, and meaningful contributions to local and global scientific challenges. Engaging in international collaborations, publishing in respected journals, and building strong networks are crucial steps in this journey.
How do you see immunology evolving in the next decade, particularly in relation to infectious diseases?
I expect key areas of evolution include:
- Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We expect AI to enhance our understanding of immune responses, leading to improved diagnostics and personalised treatments for infectious diseases.
- Development of Next-Generation Vaccines: Innovations in vaccine technology, such as mRNA platforms, are anticipated to offer more effective prevention strategies against a broader range of pathogens.
- Focus on Host-Directed Therapies: Research will likely emphasise therapies that modulate the host’s immune system rather than directly targeting the pathogen to combat infections, offering alternatives to traditional antimicrobial treatments.
- Impact of Global Changes: Climate change and urbanisation will influence disease emergence and transmission, necessitating adaptive immunological research and public health strategies.
What role do you see for African researchers in advancing global immunological studies?
African researchers hold a pivotal role in advancing global immunological studies. Our unique insights into local disease dynamics, genetic diversity, and environmental factors contribute to a deeper understanding of immune responses to pathogens such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and emerging infections.
However, science without collaboration remains limited in both reach and impact. In an era increasingly marked by disinformation, funding cuts, and growing divisions, meaningful collaboration and equitable partnerships are more critical than ever. They are essential to empowering African-led research and ensuring that global solutions are shaped by the full diversity of human experience and the shared needs of humanity.
Interview by Bonamy (Bon) Holtak
