Immunology’s team

The “Immunology” team aims to identify new regulatory functions of hematopoietic cytokines using the extent of their side effects described when used as therapeutic agents. The clinical impact of this research could lead to the identification of new biomarkers and allow a better management of the therapeutic strategy. The objective is to reduce the risk of misuse of cytokines while improving their effectiveness through individualized patient selection.

Our research program aims to study the side effects associated with the clinical use of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO). We have developed the first complete functional EPO-Knock out (KO) available in an adult mouse model by vaccination with a recombinant adenovirus encoding a heterologous EPO form. This model allows us to decipher the extra-erythroid functions of EPO, with a focus on the hematopoietic system.

Our research program over the past three years has allowed us to identify mechanisms regulating platelet heterogeneity that may have an important impact in the prevention and treatment of atherothrombosis. We have demonstrated that EPO is the main regulatory factor for the production of large platelets, uncovering a missing piece of the complex puzzle associated with the pathogenicity of atherothrombosis.
These results could have a significant impact on a better understanding of cardiovascular risk and its therapeutic management. We will now focus on identifying a signature associated with the activation of this specific pathway that could be useful for future clinical trials.