Research interests

1. Antigen mimicry, adjuvants and vaccination strategies. 

Our immune system has developed to fight external pathogens. It's unique ability to remember previously encountered pathogens and induce immune protection is the key principle of VACCINE development. Understanding how to mimic the potent immunity induced by native pathogens is crucial for the design of vaccines. Indeed, a thorough understanding of which key features a vaccine should include could enable the development of vaccines not only against pathogens, but also against cancers. Such knowledge is also used in reverse to reduce immunity to allergens. read more

2. Infectious immunology

As mentioned above it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms exploited during viral infection and how host immunity counter acts these events. Host immunity is able to eradicate (influenza, childhood diseases) or control (EBV, CMV etc.) some infectious diseases but fails against others (HIV, Ebola etc.). Understanding the immunological differences between these three situations are crucial for our ability to diagnose or therapeutically alter host immunity to viral infections. read more

3. Environmental triggers of human autoimmunity

Contrary to infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases often have no identified single causative factor. Rather, causality of autoimmune diseases are most often multifactorial, with factors derived both from the host (genetic) and the environment. Indeed, viral infection (herpesviruses) and the bacterial composition of our microbiota, primarily gut microbiota have been linked with autoimmunity. read more