CV Science

Our group is studying the impact of viral infections on the development of antiviral immunity. Cytokine and chemokine production, immune cell migrations and their consequences on the induction of local antiviral specific immune responses are being explored in human as well as simian models

Pre-clinical usage of IL-7 in various pathologies and as a tool to stimulate immune responses

IL-7, the principal chemokine involved in T-cell homeostasis in primates is presently in phase 2 trials in humans. In collaboration with Cytheris SA, a startup company that develops recombinant IL-7 as a therapeutic compound susceptible to help patients recovering from pathogen- (HIV-) or chemotherapy-induced lymphopenia, we perform pre-clinical investigation of recombinant simian IL-7 in Rhesus macaques. The effect of IL-7 on cell migration and its consequence on the initiation of local immune responses are under investigation.

Understanding the role of various soluble forms of the IL-7 receptor alpha chain

IL-7 receptor alpha chain (CD127) is known to be synthesized as membrane-associated and soluble forms. The latter are produced by alternative splicing of CD127 mRNAs. In humans, genetic variations affecting this differential splicing was associated to the development of autoimmune diseases, suggesting a role of the soluble molecules in the development of immune responses. We are studying the factors implicated in the regulation of this alternative splicing as well as the biological role of the soluble proteins.

Analyzing the anti HPV-specific T-cell responses in patients presenting vulvar or anal lesions

HPV-6, -11 and -16 are the papillomaviruses most commonly involved in the etiology of genital and anal dysplasia. In different groups of patients presenting genital warts or epidermoid dysplasia, we analyze the development of specific immune responses both systemically and locally in and around the lesions. Together with virological analyses this will allow defining populations that could be good candidates for prophylactic in order to avoid new HPV infections and to increase immunity against high risk HPVs.

Analysis of the very early immunological events occurring in SIV infection

HIV is known to impact the immune system during the first weeks of infection. Moreover, early consequences of the infection are suspected to play a major role in disease development. However, the first days of retroviral infections cannot be studied in humans. Accordingly, in the rhesus macaque model, we study the consequences of SIV infection during the first days of the infection. We analyze local production of interferon alpha subtypes at the sites of viral replication and its consequences on both viral spread and antiviral immunity. The impact of the cytokine storm characterizing early SIV-infection is under investigation. We specifically look for its consequence on chemokine production, cell migration and modifications of mucosal immunity.