Projects

Intracellular Detection of Viruses in the Nucleus

The nucleus is saturated with nucleic acids, challenging the principles of self/non-self discrimination based on nucleic acid sensing. We discover and study novel principles and regulatory mechanisms that enable cells to detect viruses within the nucleus. Our research spans a wide range of viruses, including HIV, herpesviruses, and viral vaccines.

Activation of the cGAS-STING Pathway by Self and Non-Self

The cGAS-STING pathway plays a critical role in host defense against microbial infections and cancer. However, uncontrolled activation of this pathway can lead to diseases such as auto-inflammation and cancer. We study the mechanisms that regulate cGAS-STING activation and enable faithful discrimination between self and non-self.

Aging and the Intracellular Self/Non-Self Identity

Aging profoundly reshapes the intracellular environment. Our lab investigates how aging affects the cellular mechanisms of self/non-self recognition, with a particular focus on immune cells. We study how key cellular structures — particularly the nuclear envelope and centromeres — contribute to defining intracellular self-identity and how they change over time.

Application and Translational Research

Manipulating the innate immune system is a promising avenue for developing new therapeutics and vaccines to combat infections and cancer. To this end, we apply the insights gained from our research to the development of innovative drugs and approaches, in collaboration with partners in the biotech sector.

Collaborations with:

• Stimunity

• Qubit Pharmaceuticals

• 4Dcell