The Viral Hepatitis and HIV Laboratory actively participates in public health missions and services by providing routine analyses of viral hepatitis and HIV infection. It is dedicated to the in-depth study of virus-host interactions in the context of viral infections, with a particular focus on viral hepatitis and HIV. Its main objective is to understand the pathophysiology of these infections by analyzing the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms, as well as the immune responses induced in the host. The research team uses a multidisciplinary approach that combines molecular biology, virology, immunology, and bioinformatics techniques. This holistic approach provides a comprehensive understanding of infectious processes and associated immune responses. The laboratory conducts studies to identify biomarkers of prognostic, preventive, and therapeutic interest. These biomarkers can be used as early signals to predict the progression of infection, assess the efficacy of antiviral or immunomodulatory treatments, and guide the development of new therapeutic strategies. The Viral Hepatitis and HIV Laboratory studies viral diversity, virus-host interactions, innate and adaptive immune responses, and genetic susceptibility factors that influence disease development, including liver cancer progression. Our objectives are to contribute to the discovery of new biomarkers, the development of new therapies, and methods of diagnosis and prevention for various liver diseases.

Main Research Field

Translational Research/Clinical Medicine

Related Research Fields

Epidemiology / Molecular Biology & Genetics / Immunology / Pharmacology & Vaccinology / Virology

• Infection with Hepatitis Viruses A, B, C, D, and E: Epidemiological and Virological Aspects
• Biomarkers of recovery and response to treatment for HCV and HBV and characterization of the mechanisms of hepatic carcinogenesis
• Novel Therapeutic Approaches: Screening and Characterization of New Antiviral Molecules against HBV 
• Characterization of Hepaciviruses in Animals: Toward the Development of an Animal Model
• Microbiota and Hepatic Diseases (Funded by ACIP)
• Inflammation and Activation of the Immune Response in Individuals Living with HIV (Funded by ALCS)

• Implication of dopamine, serotonin and hypoxia-inducible-factor pathways as determinant factors of SARS‐CoV-2 pathogenesis and COVID-19 severity: Towards therapeutic application ((Funded by Pasteur Network)
• Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) application to SARS-CoV-2 detection in North and Sub-Saharan Africa (Funded by ACIP)
• Assessment of Post-Vaccination Humoral Immunity Against COVID-19 in the Casablanca-Settat Region (Funded by CDC Africa)
• Association of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and COVID-19 severity with the activity of catecholamine biosynthetic/metabolic pathway. Prognostic value and therapeutic applications (Funded by ACIP)

Sayeh Ezzikouri PhD, Research Director, the head of the lab                                                                    

Engineer 

Amina Lakhssir, 

Sanaa Tazi, 

PhD students 

Adnane Karami, 

Chaimaa Zerrad

Karima Abounouh

Ikram-Allah Tanouti

Soufiane Hilmi

Rachid Noureddine

Safaa Aqillouch

Oumaima Laazaazia

Ait Taleb Ali Oumaima