Célia Caillet-Saguy

I obtained a position as a researcher at the Institut Pasteur in 2014 by proposing a project on the subversion by viruses of signalling pathways involving PDZ-containing proteins. My current research is now part of the Immunology Department within the Humoral Immunology Unit led by Hugo Mouquet.

Many viral proteins from various families (hepatitis B virus, human papilloma virus, influenza virus, dengue virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, rabies virus, severe acute respiratory virus) encode PDZ domain-binding motifs (PBMs), allowing interactions with cellular PDZ proteins. These PDZ/PBM interactions play a crucial role in virulence, malignancy, and viral replication.

In addition to my work on PDZ-containing proteins, I am now expanding my research to explore antibody-antigen interactions, with a focus on understanding how these interactions contribute to immune responses and pathogen neutralization. By studying the structural and functional properties of these complexes, I aim to enhance our understanding of immune mechanisms in viral infections and develop potential therapeutic strategies.

Professional experiences

• 2024-present Researcher, Humoral Immunology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris; co-director of Protein Biochemistry courses of the Institut Pasteur (5-weeks teaching unit of Master 2 Sorbonne University & University of Paris-Cité)

• 2018-2024 Researcher, Channel Receptors Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris; Works manager (2017)/co-director (since 2021) of Protein Biochemistry courses of the Institut Pasteur (5-weeks teaching unit of Master 2 Sorbonne University & University of Paris-Cité)

• 2014-2017 Researcher, NMR of Biomolecules Unit; Teacher in Protein Biochemistry courses of the Institut Pasteur; Visiting Scientist, Università “La Sapienza”, Roma, Italy (3 months)

• 2012-2013 Post-doctorate, NMR of Biomolecules Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris

• 2008-2011 Post-doctorate, Structural Virology Unit, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette

• 2003-2007 PhD student, NMR of Biomolecules Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris;

• CERM laboratory, Florence, Italy (short-term Marie-Curie fellowship; 6 months); Teacher’s Assistant in biochemistry practical courses, Paris 6 university, Paris (96h/year)

Education

• 2022 Accreditation to supervise research (HDR), Paris Saclay University
• 2016 University Diploma “Valorization of Applied Research and Biomedical Innovation” – University Paris 6 (Sorbonne University)
• 2007 PhD in Biochemistry – University Paris 7 (University of Paris-Cité)
• 2003 Master’s degree (DEA) Structure, Function and Protein Engineering – University Paris 7 (University of Paris-Cité)