UMR-996 INSERM University Paris-Sud 11

 

Cytokines, Chemokines and Immunopathology

 

 

 

Scientific summary

 

 

The four teams involved in this project investigate the patho-physiology of immunological and inflammatory disorders, combining ex vivo studies with animal and human cells, in vivo murine models of human diseases and studies of human samples. The cellular and molecular basis of antigen-presenting cell dysfunction in allergy and auto-immunity are investigated by team 1 and team 2. Especially, these teams analyze the role of the Glucocorticoid-Induced Leucin Zipper (GILZ) in the regulation of dendritic cell function (balance between immunogenicity and induction of tolerance) and the contribution of mast cells and neutrophils in activation of these cells. Team 1 also evaluate the impact of treatment with biopharmaceuticals on immune functions and clinical events. Team 3 characterizes the mechanisms involved in the development of liver inflammation related to metabolic abnormalities, i.e. alcohol abuse and obesity. The role of Küpffer cell hyperactivity and the mechanism of leukocyte recruitment to the liver are investigated. Team 4 addresses the role of the chemokine CXCL12/SDF-1 and of its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 in two human immune deficiencies, the WHIM syndrom and the idiopathic CD4 T lymphopenia. The final aim of the four teams is to better characterize the cellular and molecular abnormalities leading to immune dysfunction, in order to identify potential immune targets for immune intervention.

 

 

 Key-words

Allergy, Auto-immunity, Inflammation, Immune deficiencies, Obesity, Liver Diseases, Chemokines, Immunotherapy.

U996 is affiliated to the "Institut Paris-Sud d'Innovation Thérapeutique", and is working in close interaction with its immune monitoring platform.