Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) Biobanking for HIV Vaccine Trials in Nigeria: A Narrative Review of Challenges, Governance, and Strategies for Sustainable Biorepository Development

Abstract

Background: Nigeria is home to more than two million people living with HIV, yet it remains underrepresented in HIV vaccine trials. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are vital for assessing vaccine-induced immunity; however, biobanking in resource-limited settings presents challenges that can compromise sample integrity and research validity. Objective: This narrative review aims to summarise the evidence on PBMC biobanking for HIV vaccine trials in Nigeria, focusing on infrastructure, regulation, quality assurance, capacity building and sustainability. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online and institutional websites for studies published from January 2000 to December 2024. Of 321 records identified, 42 studies were selected and thematically analysed. Results: Infrastructure gaps, including an inadequate electricity supply, limited access to liquid nitrogen and cold-chain vulnerabilities, compromise PBMC quality and stability. Incoherent regulatory and governance frameworks contribute to critical gaps because Nigeria lacks a dedicated national human tissue authority and specific biobanking standards. Capacity is constrained by the absence of formal training curricula and high staff turnover, while quality assurance is limited by the lack of national biobank registries and external quality assessment schemes. Conclusion: Developing robust PBMC biobanking capacity in Nigeria requires comprehensive strategies to improve infrastructure reliability, institutionalise training, harmonise regulatory frameworks and establish quality-improvement networks that can support HIV vaccine development and promote global health equity.