About
We showed that Leptospira escape recognition by some innate immune receptors of the Toll-like (TLR) and Nod-Like families (NLR). We wonder whether this escape is responsible for the deficient phagocytic activity towards leptospires or the lack of immune memory impairing vaccination.
In this PTR in collaboration with Mariko Matsui and Julie Cagliero (IPNC) and Jessica Quintin (IP), we aim to study in vitro and ex vivo how pathogenic leptospires are recognized and processed by phagocytes (macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells), using mouse and human cells. We will focus on their recognition or escape from pathways linked to activation of TLR or NLR.
We will also test trained immunity approaches to enhance the phagocytic defense against pathogenic leptospires, and hopefully alleviate experimental leptospirosis, in mice and hamsters.