Our research group investigates the roles of B and T cells in autoimmune and infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on identifying and characterizing novel pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory T cell, B cell and plasma cell subsets.

Maintaining the balance between immune system signals is crucial for effective defense against infectious threats while preventing immune-related disorders. Autoimmune diseases, affecting 5-10% of the population, and allergic disorders that are predicted to be present in nearly half of the population by 2050 represent complex challenges. Our research seeks innovative approaches to restore immune regulation in humans. We place particular emphasis on the roles of CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and B cells in maintaining this balance.

B Cell Regulation and Cell Therapy

Our past research uncovered the ability of B cells to regulate immune responses through the production of IL-10. We then identified the signals controlling this B cell function as well as the B cell subsets providing this regulatory function. We recently established a protocol to produce pure and stable IL-10-producing B cells with regulatory functions. We are now focusing on understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning their differentiation, and their mode of action in recipient mice, with the goal of developing such a cell therapy for human IMIDs.

Tregs in Immune Balance

Tregs are essential for immune balance. We have found that TCR from autoreactive Tregs have unique, high-affinity antigen recognition properties, and showed that these features were crucial to endow Tregs with optimal protective functions against immune-mediated diseases. Our current goal is to apply this approach to human diseases, starting with type 1 diabetes by engineering human Tregs with autoreactive TCRs, potentially offering new therapeutic possibilities.