Bio

Okikiola M. Olajide, PhD is a molecular virologist and emerging structural biologist specializing in HIV-1 vaccine research. Currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Barnes Lab at Stanford University, Dr. Olajide focuses on designing HIV-1 immunogens that elicit silent face-targeting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) and developing innovative HIV infection models using human spleen organoids. Her research aims to bridge the gap between promising preclinical immunogens and their effectiveness in human clinical trials, advancing the path toward more effective HIV vaccines. Dr. Olajide earned her PhD in Biology from Albert Ludwigs University, Freiburg, where she investigated protein-protein interactions crucial for viral entry in bat influenza A viruses, pioneering approaches such as photo-affinity protein crosslinking and genetic code expansion. She also holds an MSc in Medical Virology from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, where she studied the role of cockroaches in the dissemination and sustained transmission of live-attenuated oral polio vaccine virus. During her BSc in Microbiology at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, she uncovered an ongoing rubella outbreak among at-risk, unvaccinated pregnant women. A strong advocate for advancing research in developing regions, Dr. Olajide actively supports training initiatives for scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her commitment to mentorship, shaped by her experiences as an international scholar, drives her to guide the next generation of researchers in making meaningful scientific contributions.

Honors & Awards

  • Stanford Igniter, Stanford University Graduate School of Business (2024)
  • German Research Foundation (DFG) Doctoral Fellow, Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM) (2018-2023)

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations

  • Global Health Postdoctoral Affiliate, Center for Innovation in Global Health (2024 - Present)
  • Member, African Virologists Network (2024 - Present)
  • Member, German Society for Virology (DfG) (2018 - Present)
  • Member, Nigerian Society for Microbiology (2012 - Present)
  • Member, American Society for Virology (2012 - Present)

Professional Education

  • Postdocotoral training, Stanford University, Biology and Immunology
  • Stanford Ignite, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business, Entrepreneuship (2024)
  • PhD, Albert Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany, Biology (2023)
  • MSc, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Medical Virology (2017)
  • BSc, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria, Microbiology (2012)

Stanford Advisors

Contact

  • Academic
    oolajide@stanford.edu
    University - Scholar Department: Biology Position: Postdoctoral Scholar

Additional Info

All Publications

  • Evolutionarily conserved amino acids in MHC-II mediate bat influenza A virus entry into human cells. PLoS biology Olajide, O. M., Osman, M. K., Robert, J., Kessler, S., Toews, L. K., Thamamongood, T., Neefjes, J., Wrobel, A. G., Schwemmle, M., Ciminski, K., Reuther, P. 2023; 21 (7): e3002182

    Abstract

    The viral hemagglutinins of conventional influenza A viruses (IAVs) bind to sialylated glycans on host cell surfaces for attachment and subsequent infection. In contrast, hemagglutinins of bat-derived IAVs target major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) for cell entry. MHC-II proteins from various vertebrate species can facilitate infection with the bat IAV H18N11. Yet, it has been difficult to biochemically determine the H18:MHC-II binding. Here, we followed a different approach and generated MHC-II chimeras from the human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR), which supports H18-mediated entry, and the nonclassical MHC-II molecule HLA-DM, which does not. In this context, viral entry was supported only by a chimera containing the HLA-DR alpha1, alpha2, and beta1 domains. Subsequent modeling of the H18:HLA-DR interaction identified the alpha2 domain as central for this interaction. Further mutational analyses revealed highly conserved amino acids within loop 4 (N149) and beta-sheet 6 (V190) of the alpha2 domain as critical for virus entry. This suggests that conserved residues in the alpha1, alpha2, and beta1 domains of MHC-II mediate H18-binding and virus propagation. The conservation of MHC-II amino acids, which are critical for H18N11 binding, may explain the broad species specificity of this virus.

    View details for DOI 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002182

    View details for PubMedID 37410798

  • Seroprevalence of rubella-specific IgM and IgG antibodies among pregnant women seen in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. International journal of women's health Olajide, O. M., Aminu, M., Randawa, A. J., Adejo, D. S. 2015; 7: 75-83

    Abstract

    Rubella is a contagious viral infection that in pregnant women leads to the infection of a developing fetus, causing fetal death or congenital rubella syndrome.Pregnant women are not routinely screened for rubella in Nigeria. Epidemiological data on rubella is therefore necessary to create awareness and sensitize health care administrators and providers.A cross-sectional study was carried out at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital between June and August 2012 to determine the prevalence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to rubella virus in pregnant women using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Seroprevalence was compared among 160 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and 20 nonpregnant women of childbearing age studying at Ahmadu Bello University. Prior to sample collection, questionnaires were administered to the women to obtain data on sociodemographics, awareness and knowledge of rubella, possible risk factors, and clinical symptoms associated with the viral infection.Of the 160 pregnant women, 149 (93.1%) and 62 (38.8%) were positive for anti-rubella IgM and IgG antibodies, respectively. Similarly, of the 20 nonpregnant women, 18 (90%) and eight (40%) were positive for rubella IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. None of the possible risk factors studied were significantly associated with infection. Age and other sociodemographic factors were of little significance, and awareness of rubella was low.The prevalence of rubella was high in both pregnant (93.1%) and nonpregnant women (90%), suggesting sustained transmission, which further suggests endemicity. The presence of rubella IgM and IgG antibodies in pregnant women predisposes babies to congenital rubella syndrome and emphasizes the need for the initiation of a national rubella vaccination program in Nigeria.

    View details for DOI 10.2147/IJWH.S68667

    View details for PubMedID 25610003

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4294645

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3882-9415