This group is dedicated to the cell biology of viral infections and its primary mission is to discover and develop solutions for the control of viral replication. Identification of cellular functions that are used by viruses to replicate constitutes the core expertise of this group. A systems biology platform integrating functional genomics and interactomics has been developed for the rational identification of cellular druggable targets. With its unique interactomic database and its knowledge on cell host functions perturbed by viruses, the group identifies the best human targets for the development of host-oriented molecules. Network pharmacology allows selection of pro (vaccine production) and anti-viral (therapeutic) molecules, using a drug repurposing strategy in a first attempt. In addition to small molecules, an original repositioning strategy for evolution-selected peptides targeting cellular generic processes has been developed. These peptides acting on a large panel of cellular processes are used to identify and manipulate original therapeutic targets for infectious and non-communicable chronic diseases. Internal lead programs first concerned influenza A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. Second wave programs are concerning HIV, niche viruses of medical interest as well as metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Key words: Infection, Immunity, Systems biology, Drug discovery, Interactomic, Metabolism, Antiviral, Therapeutic targets, Network