https://new.immunopaedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Tegmaba-GNODJA.jpeg
Tégmaba GNODJA is from Togo and he is pursuing his PhD in immunology at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar in Senegal. He completed his master’s degree in immunology and infectious diseases at the same university. He is passionate about immunology and virology and particularly antiviral immune defense mechanisms.
We would love to hear more about your ongoing research. What projects are you currently working on and how do they impact the field?
My current research focus on immune investigations of viral hepatitis B and C, especially the involvement of T cells subpopulations. The aim is to identify immunological biomarkers for prognostic and diagnostic purposes and to guide the treatment or clinical management of hepatitis B and C in hospitals.
There are many areas of science and immunology is quite broad and complex. What inspired you to choose this branch of science over others?
After my bachelor’s degree in medical biology, I had a burning desire to better understand the structure and functioning of cells and their implications in the occurrence of diseases. To do this, it was necessary to choose hematology or immunology. I choose immunology for three reasons:
- Firstly, immunology is poorly studied in Africa.
- Secondly, immunology remains at the embryonic stage particularly in my country and even in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Thirdly, it’s a multidisciplinary science at the centre of many areas. For example, immunohematology, immunogenetic, immunoparasitology, immunovirology.
What specifically stood out about Immunopaedia that made you want to be an Immunopaedia ambassador?
Immunology is a complex and constantly evolving area. Being part of an organization working in training and updating knowledge in immunology remains essential. The educational approach of Immunopaedia appealed to me.
Based on your own experience, what one piece of advice would you give someone who wants to study/research immunology?
I will tell him to arm himself with perseverance because research in immunology in our developing countries remains thorny.
What has been a moment of unexpected joy or surprise in your scientific career that has stayed with you?
Preparing my master’s thesis in immunology remains a moment of surprise in my scientific career.
May we please have your most recent publications?
Reduced IL-17A producing lymphocytes in chronic hepatitis C individuals treated with Sofosbuvir / Velpatasvir at CHU Campus of Lomé, Togo. African Journal of Immunology Research ISSN 2756-3375 Vol. 11 (2), pp. 001-009, February 2023.
