Development of animal models to study of immune deficiencies.

Vice-Chair of the Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee (CEEA34).



Over more than two decades, since I was recruited at INSERM, I have developed a solid expertise in immunology, genetic diseases and more recently in lympho-proliferative disease (associated to EBV). I also have strong expertise in the conceptualisation of in vivo experimentation, analyses and drug delivery in mouse and cellular biology.



In 2015, I joined the team “Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV”, led by Sylvain Latour (DRCE-CNRS) at the Institut Imagine. The team focuses on diseases characterized by a susceptibility to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection and associated pathologies, including cancer. The research strategy is primarily centered on studying human pathologies and identifying genetic basis for this susceptibility. Our approach relies on unique patient cohorts gathered over the years in collaboration with clinicians.



Since I joined the team of Sylvain, I lead a group (students and engineers) to establish mouse models for the newly identified human genes. Mouse models enable not only the assessment of the immune response in vivo to pathogen or in diseases conditions but also enable to evaluate the interactions between the immune system and tumor cells. Indeed, the carefully designed mouse models can provide a powerful platform to dissect the complexity of tumor development, to study immune responses, and evaluate pioneering immunotherapies in the quest for effective cancer treatment. Understanding the roles of these genes can ultimately benefit patients through improved diagnosis, genetic counseling, prognosis, and treatment options.



Since 2014, following the discovery of CTPS1 deficiency and its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases, the group has been committed to translating its basic scientific findings into clinical applications, completing the "bed to bench" and "bench to bed" cycle for the well-being of patients.