The "Control of Viral Infections and Immunoregulation" (CoVir) Laboratory focuses on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the persistence of infectious pathogens in patients and in non-human primate (NHP) models. The team investigates several pathogens, historically centered on HIV and its simian counterpart SIV, but also respiratory viruses such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV—particularly within the framework of the Prometheus IHU, which is dedicated to the study of sepsis. The team studies the immunological mechanisms driving microbial persistence and inflammation, with a particular emphasis on the role of interferons and regulatory molecules in immune cell function. The long-term objective is to develop immunomodulatory treatment strategies for infectious diseases and to extend these approaches to other inflammatory contexts, such as organ transplantation.

Two main research axes are currently being explored:

1. The Role of the immune system in controlling HIV/SIV and respiratory pathogens

Leveraging access to ANRS cohorts of people living with HIV, the team investigates various immune parameters involved in the spontaneous control of HIV infection. These include the role of CD8+ T cells as well as myeloid cells (dendritic cells, monocytes, neutrophils) and inflammatory signatures, particularly those involving the interferon pathway. These immune components are also studied in the context of transplant rejection. The NHP model allows for the analysis of these immune cell subsets in tissue compartments and in diverse infectious settings (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, tuberculosis, influenza).

2. Mechanisms of pathogen persistence in tissues

Tissue immunity differs significantly from circulating blood immunity. The team specifically focuses on adipose tissue as a key site of immunometabolic regulation. Adipose tissue is recognized as a reservoir for HIV. Current studies aim to characterize the microenvironment of infected cells and its potential immunoregulatory role in supporting viral persistence. These investigations integrate immunovirological analyses with pharmacological and metabolic profiling. In parallel, the lab explores the role of adipose tissue as a reservoir for other pathogens (SARS-CoV-2, tuberculosis, influenza) and its contribution to anti-infective immune responses.