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 Tolerance-Autoimmunity-Transplantation (TAT)

Composition of the team

1. Abstract
The goal of our project is to have a better understanding of the biology of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and to test innovative treatments involving Tregs in autoimmune diseases. This project is in line with our previous work and includes new themes. The first part is dedicated to fundamental Treg knowledge, which may have therapeutic implications. We analyze the role of self-Ag release on the homeostasis of Ag-specific Tregs, and address the impact of pancreatic islet remodeling during type 1 diabetes on islet-specific Tregs and effector T cells (Teffs). We study the mechanism of a feedback regulatory loop between Teffs and Tregs, that we have described, which may limit the development of autoimmune diseases. This study could lead to the identification of new therapeutic drugs able to increase Treg activity. In the second part, we test innovative treatments of autoimmune diseases in various mouse models we have developed. In uveitis, we test whether pre-activated polyclonal Tregs, directly injected in the eye, may have bystander activity to suppress the disease. In polymyositis, we compare the therapeutic efficacy of polyclonal versus muscle-specific Tregs. In type 1 diabetes, we test whether the disease could be treated by the transplantation of fetal pancreas, as an alternative source of the rare adult islets. Finally, we test a new conceptual approach for treatment of auto-immune diseases, based on the administration of molecules boosting Treg activity in vivo, such as interleukin-2. We determine the efficacy of different formulations of this cytokine to suppress the development of type 1 diabetes and the underlying mechanisms.

 2. Composition of the team
Permanent staff:

Non-permanent staff:

 

 
 
 
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