Romaniya Zayats

I joined Dr. Megan Levings’ laboratory at the University of British Columbia and BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute as a Postdoctoral Fellow in September 2025 after completing my PhD in Immunology at the University of Manitoba. During my PhD, I investigated antigen-specific regulatory T cells in parasitic infection utilizing intravital microscopy, which sparked my interest in understanding how regulatory T cells control immune responses and how these mechanisms can be harnessed therapeutically.
My current research focuses on developing human lymphoid organoid models to study alloimmune responses and evaluate chimeric antigen receptor regulatory T cell (CAR Treg) therapies for transplantation. By combining human tissue models with advanced immune profiling, I aim to better understand the mechanisms underlying immune tolerance and develop more effective cell therapies that reduce the need for lifelong immunosuppression while improving transplant outcomes.
My long-term goal is to lead a translational research program that bridges fundamental immunology with the development of next-generation immune therapies.