Immunometabolism and inflammation

Energy metabolism is characterized by the production of energy by mitochondria in the form of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation and aerobic glycolysis. The energy profile of an immune cell such as lymphocytes, monocytes/macrophages, microglia or astrocyte impacts its function, activation, proliferation, differentiation, polarization and cytokine production. Changes in the specific metabolic signatures of an immune population can lead to consequent disturbances in the immune homeostasis and induce immune dysregulation. Pathogens like viruses (HIV, SARS-CoV-2, CMV or others) can hijack energy metabolism at their profit to evade the immune response and constitute viral reservoirs, specifically in the gut and the brain. When infections occur during pregnancy, they can cause premature births, which is a major cause of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) such as autistic syndrome disorders (ASD).

Through different in vitro cellular study models, in vivo animal models or pediatric and adults cohorts of infected patients with viruses (HIV or SARS-CoV-2) or exposed to viruses or inflammation peri- or postnatal as well as the combination of metabolic studies, immunological, virological and neurobiological approaches, our research group focuses its studies on understanding the role of energy metabolism in the modulation of the immune response during infectious diseases or inflammation, more specifically in neuroinflammation and the impact on the brain development. The aim of our research is to determine common pathways between dysregulation of the early immature immune system and the development of NDD through metabolic pathways, to determine biomarkers of metabolic defects in peripheral blood related to an inadequate immune response and NDD. The characterization of these biomarkers could constitute new tools for the early diagnosis of NDD and ASD, allowing early and rapid treatment of children.

In addition, our group is interested to develop new antiviral treatments or new therapeutic avenues through the re-education of immune cells and their orientation towards repairing functions by immuno-metabo-modulation and/or beneficial energetic reprogramming of the immune cells, but also at the level of the brain in order to improve the quality of the functioning of the immune system and consequently to ensure the protection of the developing brain.