We are studying the innate immune reponses to bacterial infections both from the host and the pathogen sides. We are particularly interested in a key pathway of the antibacterial immune response named the inflammasome.

Francisella tularensis, the agent of tularemia, is bacterium replicating in the host macrophage cytosol. We are using this pathogen as a model to better understand the innate immune mechanisms allowing the host cell to fight bacteria replicating within the cytosol. We are particularly interested in the inflammasome signaling pathway as well as in bacterial virulence factors allowing replication in this compartment.

Furthermore, we are studying the role of the inflammasome pathway during infections with a major human pathogen: Staphylococcus aureus. In this latter project, we are studying the interaction of S. aureus with the human immune system at the molecular and cellular levels as well as in various animal models of infections. Finally, we are investigating the potential of targeting the inflammasome with drugs in order to limit the severity of certain Staphylococcal diseases.

Key words: Infectious diseases, Bacterial infections, Innate immunity, Inflammasome, Francisella tularensis, Staphylococcus aureus