Zakia Djaoud

Dr. Zakia Djaoud is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology (University of Ottawa) and a Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute. Her research focuses on human innate lymphocytes, particularly γδ T cells and NK cells, and their roles in viral infections (e.g., herpesviruses), cancer, and transplantation. She employs advanced techniques like functional immunology, T-cell receptor repertoire analysis, immunogenetics, flow cytometry, mass cytometry, and high-throughput gene sequencing.

• Education: DVM (Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers), MSc (Paris Descartes/Paris-Est Créteil), PhD (University of Nantes, Human Immunology)
• Postdoctoral Training: Stanford University, laboratory of Dr. Peter Parham

Her recent publications explore HLA-KIR-TCR interactions, viral immune evasion, and lymphocyte functional education. She has contributed to understanding Epstein-Barr virus and CMV immunity, with a focus on receptor polymorphisms and immune cell dynamics.

Dr. Djaoud's lab investigates how immunogenetics and herpesvirus infections shape innate lymphocyte repertoires and functional responses.