Dendritic cells are the sentinel cells of the immune system. By virtue of their ability to uptake and present antigens by MHC molecules to T lymphocyte, sense danger signals and migrate towards lymphoid organs, dendritic cells control T cell immunity and the establishment of immune memory. For these reasons, DCs are critically required to the activation of protective immunity against infections but also essential for the efficiency of vaccines and cancer immunotherapy. Our research unit is developing 2 research directions:
- To understand the molecular and cellular processes underlying the activation of adaptive immunity by dendritic cells.
Here, we aim at deciphering the developmental pathways generating dendritic cells from hematopoietic stem cells. Also, we develop approaches to understand the molecular cues controlling the terminal differentiation in tissues. These approaches are developed at homeostasis and during immune responses triggered by infection or solid tumors.
- To develop new vaccines and immunotherapies harnessing the immunogenic function of dendritic cells.
Building on a better understanding of dendritic cell development and function, we develop novel multi-disciplinary approaches in anti-infectious vaccination and cancer immunotherapy.
