CHI researcher wins at the 2024 South African Rheumatology and Arthritis Association Congress

Dr Timothy Spracklen was awarded Best Oral Presentation at the 2024 South African Rheumatology and Arthritis Association in Stellenbosch. His talk, titled “Type I interferon-inducible genes may predict treatment-naïve lupus and flares in South African children”, described work done at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital to explore gene expression signatures of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE).

The project, led by Dr Kate Webb and co-authored by Prof. Chris Scott and Prof. Liesl Zühlke, revealed type I interferon gene dysregulation in JSLE, as well as potential genetic biomarkers for disease activity. It is hoped that work of this nature will increase our understanding of JSLE pathogenesis and help improve care for patients with JSLE. Dr Spracklen also won the Sarah Scott trophy for this presentation.