In HIC infection, we analyse the quality of the naïve αβ and γδ T-cell compartment and develop strategies to improve priming efficacy with adjuvants. We also have a particular focus on understanding γδ T cell response to CMV infection which is a powerful model to study a natural response of human γδ T cells. We are for instance deciphering the existence and functions of a natural innate-like γδ T cell repertoire responding to CMV. We also take advantage of this model to characterize the molecular determinants of γδ T cell response. The murine model of CMV infection (MCMV) also provides us with the capacity to analyze how CMV imprints long-term changes in γδ T cell functions. Our global aim is to harness γδ T cells for the treatment of CMV-infection, using them as biomarkers in the monitoring of CMV infection in transplant recipients, as drug delivery systems using functional polymersomes or as adoptive cell therapy.
Impact of chronic infections on host immune response efficiency
PI: Julie Déchanet-Merville & Victor Appay
Cellular immunity is studied in two contexts associated to accelarated ageing: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Cytomegalovrius (CMV) infections.