Sex differences in immunity: mechanisms and pathophysiology

Coordinator : J.C. Guéry

Scientific objectives


The nature and strength of the immune response differ between women and men, resulting in sex-based differences in the prevalence, manifestations and outcome of autoimmune and infectious diseases. While women are able to mount a more vigorous immune response to infections, they also suffer more from autoimmune diseases and inflammation-induced tissue damage. The common biological pathways leading to inflammation and immune activation, are also involved in the pathophysiology of autoimmune and infectious diseases. Growing body of evidence indicate that such pathways can be regulated by sex-related factors, including sex hormones and sex chromosomes. Our team is interested in understanding the mechanisms by which sex-specific factors regulate the immune responses.

Our research is structured around two main axes :

Research theme #1 (S. Laffont) focuses on understanding how sex hormones regulate innate immunity in various pathophysiological contexts including endometriosis (J. Tabiasco).

Research theme #2 (M. Savignac, JC. Guéry, S. Laffont) studies the impact of dysregulated XCI on innate and adaptive immunity genes in the context of autoimmune diseases and tumor immunity.

 Intro

Our projects


Role of sex hormones in the regulation of innate immunity

 

Axis 1. Understanding hormonal regulation of innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC) Coordinator: (S. Laffont)

 Androgen-mediated regulation of ILC2

Prevalence of asthma is higher in women than in men, but the mechanisms underlying this sex bias are unknown. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are key regulators of type 2 immunity, with natural ILC2s (nILC2) being key drivers of asthma, while the more recently identified inflammatory ILC2 subtype (iILC2) are responsible for parasitic infection control.

Our pioneering research has demonstrated that androgens inhibit activation and expansion of nILC2s, offering males protection against allergen-induced lung inflammation (Laffont et al. JEM 2017). We established that lung ILC2s express a functionally active AR that can be in vivo targeted with exogenous androgens to negatively control ILC2 homeostasis, proliferation, and function (Blanquart et al. JACI 2022). Moreover, as part as a clinical study, we recently showed that sex differences in asthma are associated with higher circulating ILC2 numbers in asthmatic female patients and that ILC2s from male and female asthmatic patients express AR gene at single‐cell resolution as well as AR protein (Anesi et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2025).

Together with clinical data supporting a protective role of androgen in asthma, we will now explore the impact of AR on ILC2 biology and identify the molecular targets and genes whose expression is controlled by AR activation.

 Axis 2. Treating endometriosis by modulating the immune response Coordinator: J. Tabiasco

This research program aims to develop an immunotherapeutic strategy for endometriosis treatment. We have already identified three therapeutic targets. Pharmacological inhibition of these molecules modifies polarization of immune cell infiltrate and reduces lesion size and weight. These results have enabled the patenting of the three targets. We will now determine whether targeting this pathway diminishes/eradicates established lesions together with the cellular and molecular mechanisms at play. This project aims to identify tissue-specific targets and new estrogen-driven immune pathways, potentially opening new avenues for therapeutic management of patients.

 

Impact of dysregulated XCI in immunity

Impact of dysregulated XCI in immunity

Coordinator: M. Savignac, JC. Guéry, S. Laffont

Women are more likely than men to develop chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly rheumatic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but also organ-specific autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Moreover, female develop stronger effector responses to tumor. All these sex biased responses have been attributed, in part or entirely, to X chromosome complement.

In women, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated in order to equalize gene expression between the sexes. This mechanism of X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is an epigenetic mechanism that silences one X chromosome in women. However, 15 to 23% of X-linked genes, some of which are involved in regulating immune mechanisms, escape XCI. They are then overexpressed in female cells. By being overexpressed in woman’s immune cells, these escaped genes could contribute to immune system hyperactivity.

Using a humanized mouse model to study male and female pDC development and function, we initially reported that both the female sex hormone estrogen and X chromosome complement independantly contribute to enhance the TLR7-driven IFN-I response of human pDCs (Laffont et al. JI 2014). We subsequently established that the TLR7/TLR8 locus escape XCI in immunes cells (Souyris et al. Sci Immunol 2018; Youness et al. Biol Sex Diff 2023).

Recently, we demonstrated that dysregulation of XCI maintenance at the TLR7/Tlr7 locus is associated with the spontaneous development of autoimmunity in mice (Huret et al. Sci Adv 2024) and to pDC heterogeneity in women with systemic scleroderma (Du, Faz-Lopez et al. JEM 2025). These findings reveal the crucial role of the inactive X chromosome as a genetic factor in sex differences in immunity and susceptibility to autoimmune rheumatic diseases (Ferrayé, Nieucel et al. EJI 2025; Barrat & Guéry Immunol. Rev. 2026).

We now want to understand further how XCI dysregulation impacts adaptive immune response and reveal sex-specific molecular and genetic mechanisms that could be exploited to develop next-generation therapies and manage cancer and autoimmunity according to sex.

 

Other informations


Publications

2026

Faz-Lopez, Berenice; Allart, Sophie; Chaumeil, Julie; Guéry, Jean-Charles

Investigating Dysregulated X Chromosome Inactivation in Human B Cells and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells by RNA FISH Journal Article

In: Methods Mol Biol, vol. 2990, pp. 157–177, 2026, ISSN: 1940-6029.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

2025

Barrat, Franck J; Guéry, Jean-Charles

Escape From X Chromosome Inactivation as a Driver of Plasmacytoid DC Heterogeneity in Health and Disease Journal Article

In: Immunol Rev, vol. 336, no. 1, pp. e70074, 2025, ISSN: 1600-065X.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

Anesi, Nina; Calmels, Mathilde; Guilleminault, Laurent; Abbas, Flora; Cenac, Claire; Villeneuve, Thomas; de Bonnecaze, Guillaume; Laffont, Sophie; Guéry, Jean-Charles

In Asthmatic Patients, Sexual Dimorphism correlates With Androgen Receptor Expression in ILC2s at Single Cell-Resolution Journal Article

In: Clin Exp Allergy, vol. 55, no. 9, pp. 851–853, 2025, ISSN: 1365-2222.

Links | BibTeX

Ferrayé, Léa; Nieucel, Mélissa; Savignac, Magali; Chaumeil, Julie; Guéry, Jean-Charles

The Inactive X Chromosome: A Genetic Driver of Female-Biased Rheumatic Autoimmune Disorders? Journal Article

In: Eur J Immunol, vol. 55, no. 5, pp. e202451331, 2025, ISSN: 1521-4141.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

Du, Yong; Faz-Lopez, Bérénice; Kioon, Marie Dominique Ah; Cenac, Claire; Pierides, Michael; Lakin, Kimberly S; Spiera, Robert F; Chaumeil, Julie; Truchetet, Marie-Elise; Gordon, Jessica K; Guéry, Jean-Charles; Barrat, Franck J

Altered X-chromosome inactivation of the TLR7/8 locus and heterogeneity of pDCs in systemic sclerosis Journal Article

In: J Exp Med, vol. 222, no. 3, 2025, ISSN: 1540-9538.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

2024

Chizzolini, Carlo; Guery, Jean-Charles; Noulet, Fanny; Gruaz, Lyssia; Cenac, Claire; Frasca, Loredana; Spoerl, David; Arlettaz, Lionel; Horisberger, Alice; Ribi, Camillo; Hugues, Stéphanie

Extrafollicular CD19CXCR5CD11c double negative 3 (DN3) B cells are significantly associated with disease activity in females with systemic lupus erythematosus Journal Article

In: J Transl Autoimmun, vol. 9, pp. 100252, 2024, ISSN: 2589-9090.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

Huret, C.; Ferraye, L.; David, A.; Mohamed, M.; Valentin, N.; Charlotte, F.; Savignac, M.; Goodhardt, M.; Guery, J. C.; Rougeulle, C.; Morey, C.

Altered X-chromosome inactivation predisposes to autoimmunity Journal Article

In: Sci Adv, vol. 10, no. 18, pp. eadn6537, 2024, ISSN: 2375-2548 (Electronic) 2375-2548 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Chi, L.; Liu, C.; Gribonika, I.; Gschwend, J.; Corral, D.; Han, S. J.; Lim, A. I.; Rivera, C. A.; Link, V. M.; Wells, A. C.; Bouladoux, N.; Collins, N.; Lima-Junior, D. S.; Enamorado, M.; Rehermann, B.; Laffont, S.; Guery, J. C.; Tussiwand, R.; Schneider, C.; Belkaid, Y.

Sexual dimorphism in skin immunity is mediated by an androgen-ILC2-dendritic cell axis Journal Article

In: Science, vol. 384, no. 6692, pp. eadk6200, 2024, ISSN: 1095-9203 (Electronic) 0036-8075 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

2023

Giang, N.; Villeneuve, T.; Maire, K.; Mejia, J. E.; Guery, J. C.; Pelletier, L.; Savignac, M.

PKCalpha interacts with Ca(v) 1.3 calcium channels to promote the Ca(v) 1.2/Ca(v) 1.3 duo tuning Th2 functions Journal Article

In: Allergy, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 879-882, 2023, ISSN: 1398-9995 (Electronic) 0105-4538 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Anesi, N.; Miquel, C. H.; Laffont, S.; Guery, J. C.

The Influence of Sex Hormones and X Chromosome in Immune Responses Journal Article

In: Curr Top Microbiol Immunol, vol. 441, pp. 21-59, 2023, ISSN: 0070-217X (Print) 0070-217X (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Miquel, C. H.; Abbas, F.; Cenac, C.; Foret-Lucas, C.; Guo, C.; Ducatez, M.; Joly, E.; Hou, B.; Guery, J. C.

B cell-intrinsic TLR7 signaling is required for neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 and pathogen-like COVID-19 vaccines Journal Article

In: Eur J Immunol, pp. e2350437, 2023, ISSN: 1521-4141 (Electronic) 0014-2980 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Miquel, C. H.; Faz-Lopez, B.; Guery, J. C.

Influence of X chromosome in sex-biased autoimmune diseases Journal Article

In: J Autoimmun, vol. 137, pp. 102992, 2023, ISSN: 1095-9157 (Electronic) 0896-8411 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Renaudineau, Y.; Muller, S.; Hedrich, C. M.; Chauveau, D.; Belliere, J.; De Almeida, S.; Damoiseaux, J.; Scherlinger, M.; Guery, J. C.; Sailler, L.; Bost, C.

Immunological and translational key challenges in systemic lupus erythematosus: A symposium update Journal Article

In: J Transl Autoimmun, vol. 6, pp. 100199, 2023, ISSN: 2589-9090 (Electronic) 2589-9090 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Youness, A.; Cenac, C.; Faz-Lopez, B.; Grunenwald, S.; Barrat, F. J.; Chaumeil, J.; Mejia, J. E.; Guery, J. C.

TLR8 escapes X chromosome inactivation in human monocytes and CD4(+) T cells Journal Article

In: Biol Sex Differ, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 60, 2023, ISSN: 2042-6410 (Electronic) 2042-6410 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

2022

Blanquart, E.; Mandonnet, A.; Mars, M.; Cenac, C.; Anesi, N.; Mercier, P.; Audouard, C.; Roga, S.; Serrano de Almeida, G.; Bevan, C. L.; Girard, J. P.; Pelletier, L.; Laffont, S.; Guery, J. C.

Targeting androgen signaling in ILC2s protects from IL-33-driven lung inflammation, independently of KLRG1 Journal Article

In: J Allergy Clin Immunol, vol. 149, no. 1, pp. 237-251 e12, 2022, ISSN: 1097-6825 (Electronic) 0091-6749 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Bost, C.; Arleevskaya, M. I.; Brooks, W. H.; Plaza, S.; Guery, J. C.; Renaudineau, Y.

Long non-coding RNA Xist contribution in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis Journal Article

In: Clin Immunol, vol. 236, pp. 108937, 2022, ISSN: 1521-7035 (Electronic) 1521-6616 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Corral, D.; Charton, A.; Krauss, M. Z.; Blanquart, E.; Levillain, F.; Lefrancais, E.; Sneperger, T.; Vahlas, Z.; Girard, J. P.; Eberl, G.; Poquet, Y.; Guery, J. C.; Arguello, R. J.; Belkaid, Y.; Mayer-Barber, K. D.; Hepworth, M. R.; Neyrolles, O.; Hudrisier, D.

ILC precursors differentiate into metabolically distinct ILC1-like cells during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection Journal Article

In: Cell Rep, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 110715, 2022, ISSN: 2211-1247 (Electronic).

Links | BibTeX

Mars, M.; Neant, I.; Leclerc, C.; Bosch, S.; Rouviere, C.; Moreau, M.; Lachambre, S.; Paul, C.; Tauber, M.; Gravier, E.; Douzal, C.; Duplan, H.; Babin, M.; Brocario, A.; Thouvenin, M. D.; Guery, J. C.; Redoules, D.; Lestienne, F.; Pelletier, L.; Savignac, M.

Ca(v)1.4 calcium channels control cytokine production by human peripheral T(H)17 cells and psoriatic skin-infiltrating T cells Journal Article

In: J Allergy Clin Immunol, vol. 149, no. 4, pp. 1348-1357, 2022, ISSN: 1097-6825 (Electronic) 0091-6749 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Giang, N.; Villeneuve, T.; Maire, K.; Mejia, J. E.; Guery, J. C.; Pelletier, L.; Savignac, M.

PKCalpha interacts with Ca(v) 1.3 calcium channels to promote the Ca(v) 1.2/Ca(v) 1.3 duo tuning Th2 functions Journal Article

In: Allergy, 2022, ISSN: 1398-9995 (Electronic) 0105-4538 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Giang, N.; Mars, M.; Moreau, M.; Mejia, J. E.; Bouchaud, G.; Magnan, A.; Michelet, M.; Ronsin, B.; Murphy, G. G.; Striessnig, J.; Guery, J. C.; Pelletier, L.; Savignac, M.

Separation of the Cav1.2-Cav1.3 calcium channel duo prevents type 2 allergic airway inflammation Journal Article

In: Allergy, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 525-539, 2022, ISSN: 1398-9995 (Electronic) 0105-4538 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Cenac, C.; Ducatez, M. F.; Guery, J. C.

Hydroxychloroquine inhibits proteolytic processing of endogenous TLR7 protein in human primary plasmacytoid dendritic cells Journal Article

In: Eur J Immunol, vol. 52, no. 1, pp. 54-61, 2022, ISSN: 1521-4141 (Electronic) 0014-2980 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Abbas, F.; Cenac, C.; Youness, A.; Azar, P.; Delobel, P.; Guery, J. C.

HIV-1 infection enhances innate function and TLR7 expression in female plasmacytoid dendritic cells Journal Article

In: Life Sci Alliance, vol. 5, no. 10, 2022, ISSN: 2575-1077 (Electronic) 2575-1077 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Congy-Jolivet, N.; Cenac, C.; Dellacasagrande, J.; Puissant-Lubrano, B.; Apoil, P. A.; Guedj, K.; Abbas, F.; Laffont, S.; Sourdet, S.; Guyonnet, S.; Nourhashemi, F.; Guery, J. C.; Blancher, A.

Monocytes are the main source of STING-mediated IFN-alpha production Journal Article

In: EBioMedicine, vol. 80, pp. 104047, 2022, ISSN: 2352-3964 (Electronic) 2352-3964 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

2021

Blanquart, E.; Laffont, S.; Guery, J. C.

Sex hormone regulation of innate lymphoid cells Journal Article

In: Biomed J, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 144-156, 2021, ISSN: 2320-2890 (Electronic) 2319-4170 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Youness, A.; Miquel, C. H.; Guéry, J. C.

Escape from X Chromosome Inactivation and the Female Predominance in Autoimmune Diseases Journal Article

In: Int J Mol Sci, vol. 22, no. 3, 2021, ISSN: 1422-0067.

Links | BibTeX

Blanquart, E.; Mandonnet, A.; Mars, M.; Cenac, C.; Anesi, N.; Mercier, P.; Audouard, C.; Roga, S.; Serrano de Almeida, G.; Bevan, C. L.; Girard, J. P.; Pelletier, L.; Laffont, S.; Guery, J. C.

Targeting androgen signaling in ILC2s protects from IL-33-driven lung inflammation, independently of KLRG1 Journal Article

In: J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2021, ISSN: 1097-6825 (Electronic) 0091-6749 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Cenac, C.; Ducatez, M.; Guery, J. C.

Hydroxychloroquine inhibits proteolytic processing of endogenous TLR7 protein in human primary plasmacytoid dendritic cells Journal Article

In: Eur J Immunol, 2021, ISSN: 1521-4141 (Electronic) 0014-2980 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

2020

Pelletier, L.; Guéry, J. C.

[Asthma and allergy: what about the differences between men and women?] Journal Article

In: Rev Prat, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 195-199, 2020, ISSN: 0035-2640.

BibTeX

Azar, P.; Mejía, J. E.; Cenac, C.; Shaiykova, A.; Youness, A.; Laffont, S.; Essat, A.; Izopet, J.; Passaes, C.; Müller-Trutwin, M.; Delobel, P.; Meyer, L.; Guéry, J. C.

TLR7 dosage polymorphism shapes interferogenesis and HIV-1 acute viremia in women Journal Article

In: JCI Insight, vol. 5, no. 12, 2020, ISSN: 2379-3708.

Links | BibTeX

2019

Guery, Jean-Charles

Why is systemic lupus erythematosus more common in women? Journal Article

In: Joint Bone Spine, vol. 86, no. 3, pp. 297-299, 2019, (invited editorial).

Links | BibTeX

Souyris, Melanie; Mejia, Jose E; Chaumeil, Julie; Guery, Jean-Charles

Female predisposition to TLR7-driven autoimmunity: gene dosage and the escape from X chromosome inactivation. Journal Article

In: Semin Immunopathol, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 153-164, 2019, ISSN: 1863-2300 (Electronic); 1863-2297 (Linking), (review).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

Domingo, Cristina; Fraissinet, Juliane; Ansah, Patrick O.; Kelly, Corey; Bhat, Niranjan; Sow, Samba O.; Mejía, José E.

Long-term immunity against yellow fever in children vaccinated during infancy: a longitudinal cohort study Journal Article

In: Lancet Infect Dis, 2019, ISSN: 1473-3099.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

Laffont, S.; Guery, J. C.

Deconstructing the sex bias in allergy and autoimmunity: From sex hormones and beyond Journal Article

In: Adv Immunol, vol. 142, pp. 35-64, 2019, ISSN: 0065-2776, (review).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

Garnier, A.; Laffont, S.; Garnier, L.; Kaba, E.; Deutsch, U.; Engelhardt, B.; Guery, J. C.

CD49d/CD29-integrin controls the accumulation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells into the CNS during neuroinflammation Journal Article

In: Eur J Immunol, 2019, ISSN: 0014-2980.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

2018

Garnier, Laure; Laffont, Sophie; Lelu, Karine; Yogev, Nir; Waisman, Ari; Guery, Jean-Charles

Estrogen Signaling in Bystander Foxp3(neg) CD4(+) T Cells Suppresses Cognate Th17 Differentiation in Trans and Protects from Central Nervous System Autoimmunity. Journal Article

In: J Immunol, vol. 201, no. 11, pp. 3218–3228, 2018, ISSN: 1550-6606 (Electronic); 0022-1767 (Linking).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

Rosa, N.; Triffaux, E.; Robert, V.; Mars, M.; Klein, M.; Bouchaud, G.; Canivet, A.; Magnan, A.; Guery, J. C.; Pelletier, L.; Savignac, M.

The beta and alpha2delta auxiliary subunits of voltage-gated calcium channel 1 (Cav1) are required for TH2 lymphocyte function and acute allergic airway inflammation Journal Article

In: J Allergy Clin Immunol, vol. 142, no. 3, pp. 892-903, 2018, ISSN: 1097-6825 (Electronic) 0091-6749 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Pelletier, Lucette; Savignac, Magali

Involvement of ion channels in allergy Journal Article

In: Current Opinion in Immunology, vol. 52, pp. 60 - 67, 2018, ISSN: 0952-7915, (review).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

Souyris, M.; Cenac, C.; Azar, P.; Daviaud, D.; Canivet, A.; Grunenwald, S.; Pienkowski, C.; Chaumeil, J.; Mejia, J. E.; Guery, J. C.

TLR7 escapes X chromosome inactivation in immune cells Journal Article

In: Sci Immunol, vol. 3, no. 19, 2018, ISSN: 2470-9468 (Electronic) 2470-9468 (Linking), (In the top 5% of all research outputs scored by Altmetric. http://www.altmetric.com/details/32261033).

Links | BibTeX

Blanquart, Eve; Laffont, Sophie; Guery, Jean-Charles

Effets protecteurs de la puberte chez les garcons dans les maladies allergiques : les androgenes, un regulateur negatif des cellules lymphoides innees de groupe 2 Journal Article

In: Rev Fr Allergol, vol. 5991, no. 4, pp. 297-357, 2018, ISSN: 1877-0320, (review).

Links | BibTeX

Laffont, Sophie; Blanquart, Eve; Guery, Jean-Charles

Sex-bias in allergic asthma: androgens and group 2 innate lymphoid cells Journal Article

In: Med Sci (Paris), vol. 34, no. 3, pp. 247-252, 2018, ISSN: 1958-5381 (Electronic) 0767-0974 (Linking), (review).

Links | BibTeX

2017

Laffont, Sophie; Blanquart, Eve; Savignac, Magali; Cenac, Claire; Laverny, Gilles; Metzger, Daniel; Girard, Jean-Philippe; Belz, Gabrielle T; Pelletier, Lucette; Seillet, Cyril; Guery, Jean-Charles

Androgen signaling negatively controls group 2 innate lymphoid cells Journal Article

In: J Exp Med, vol. 214, no. 6, pp. 1581-1592, 2017, ISSN: 1540-9538 (Electronic) 0022-1007 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Laffont, S.; Seillet, C.; Guery, J. C.

Estrogen Receptor-Dependent Regulation of Dendritic Cell Development and Function Journal Article

In: Front Immunol, vol. 8, pp. 108, 2017, ISSN: 1664-3224 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Basso, L.; Garnier, L.; Bessac, A.; Boue, J.; Blanpied, C.; Cenac, N.; Laffont, S.; Dietrich, G.

T-lymphocyte-derived enkephalins reduce Th1/Th17 colitis and associated pain in mice Journal Article

In: J Gastroenterol, 2017, ISSN: 1435-5922 (Electronic) 0944-1174 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Laffont, Sophie; Blanquart, Eve; Guery, Jean-Charles

Sex Differences in Asthma: A Key Role of Androgen-Signaling in Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells Journal Article

In: Frontiers in Immunology, vol. 8, pp. 1069, 2017, ISSN: 1664-3224.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

2015

Griesbeck, M.; Ziegler, S.; Laffont, S.; Smith, N.; Chauveau, L.; Tomezsko, P.; Sharei, A.; Kourjian, G.; Porichis, F.; Hart, M.; Palmer, C. D.; Sirignano, M.; Beisel, C.; Hildebrandt, H.; Cenac, C.; Villani, A. C.; Diefenbach, T. J.; Le Gall, S.; Schwartz, O.; Herbeuval, J. P.; Autran, B.; Guery, J. C.; Chang, J. J.; Altfeld, M.

Sex Differences in Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Levels of IRF5 Drive Higher IFN-alpha Production in Women Journal Article

In: J Immunol, vol. 195, no. 11, pp. 5327-36, 2015, ISSN: 1550-6606 (Electronic) 0022-1767 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Lupar, E.; Brack, M.; Garnier, L.; Laffont, S.; Rauch, K. S.; Schachtrup, K.; Arnold, S. J.; Guery, J. C.; Izcue, A.

Eomesodermin Expression in CD4+ T Cells Restricts Peripheral Foxp3 Induction Journal Article

In: J Immunol, vol. 195, no. 10, pp. 4742-52, 2015, ISSN: 1550-6606 (Electronic) 0022-1767 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Laffont, S.; Garnier, L.; Lelu, K.; Guery, J. C.

Estrogen-mediated protection of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: Lessons from the dissection of estrogen receptor-signaling in vivo Journal Article

In: Biomed J, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 194-205, 2015, ISSN: 2320-2890 (Electronic) 2319-4170 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

2014

Savignac, M.; Simon, M.; Edir, A.; Guibbal, L.; Hovnanian, A.

SERCA2 dysfunction in Darier disease causes endoplasmic reticulum stress and impaired cell-to-cell adhesion strength: rescue by Miglustat Journal Article

In: J Invest Dermatol, vol. 134, no. 7, pp. 1961-1970, 2014, ISSN: 1523-1747 (Electronic) 0022-202X (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Mellstrom, B.; Sahun, I.; Ruiz-Nuno, A.; Murtra, P.; Gomez-Villafuertes, R.; Savignac, M.; Oliveros, J. C.; Gonzalez, P.; Kastanauskaite, A.; Knafo, S.; Zhuo, M.; Higuera-Matas, A.; Errington, M. L.; Maldonado, R.; DeFelipe, J.; Jefferys, J. G.; Bliss, T. V.; Dierssen, M.; Naranjo, J. R.

DREAM controls the on/off switch of specific activity-dependent transcription pathways Journal Article

In: Mol Cell Biol, vol. 34, no. 5, pp. 877-87, 2014, ISSN: 1098-5549 (Electronic) 0270-7306 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Lucca, L. E.; Desbois, S.; Ramadan, A.; Ben-Nun, A.; Eisenstein, M.; Carrie, N.; Guery, J. C.; Sette, A.; Nguyen, P.; Geiger, T. L.; Mars, L. T.; Liblau, R. S.

Bispecificity for myelin and neuronal self-antigens is a common feature of CD4 T cells in C57BL/6 mice Journal Article

In: J Immunol, vol. 193, no. 7, pp. 3267-77, 2014, ISSN: 1550-6606 (Electronic) 0022-1767 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Laffont, S.; Rouquie, N.; Azar, P.; Seillet, C.; Plumas, J.; Aspord, C.; Guery, J. C.

X-Chromosome complement and estrogen receptor signaling independently contribute to the enhanced TLR7-mediated IFN-alpha production of plasmacytoid dendritic cells from women Journal Article

In: J Immunol, vol. 193, no. 11, pp. 5444-52, 2014, ISSN: 1550-6606 (Electronic) 0022-1767 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

2013

Robert, V.; Triffaux, E.; Savignac, M.; Pelletier, L.

Singularities of calcium signaling in effector T-lymphocytes Journal Article

In: Biochim Biophys Acta, vol. 1833, no. 7, pp. 1595-602, 2013, ISSN: 0006-3002 (Print) 0006-3002 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Seillet, C.; Rouquie, N.; Foulon, E.; Douin-Echinard, V.; Krust, A.; Chambon, P.; Arnal, J. F.; Guery, J. C.; Laffont, S.

Estradiol Promotes Functional Responses in Inflammatory and Steady-State Dendritic Cells through Differential Requirement for Activation Function-1 of Estrogen Receptor alpha Journal Article

In: J. Immunol., vol. 190, no. 11, pp. 5459-70, 2013, ISSN: 1550-6606 (Electronic) 0022-1767 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Pelletier, L.; Savignac, M.

Ca(2+) signaling in T-cell subsets with a focus on the role of cav1 channels: possible implications in therapeutics Journal Article

In: Front Immunol, vol. 4, pp. 150, 2013, ISSN: 1664-3224 (Print) 1664-3224 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

2012

Guery, J. C.

Estrogens and inflammatory autoimmune diseases Journal Article

In: Joint, bone, spine : revue du rhumatisme, vol. 79, no. 6, pp. 560-2, 2012, ISSN: 1778-7254 (Electronic) 1297-319X (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Boue, J.; Blanpied, C.; Djata-Cabral, M.; Pelletier, L.; Vergnolle, N.; Dietrich, G.

Immune conditions associated with CD4+ T effector-induced opioid release and analgesia Journal Article

In: Pain, vol. 153, no. 2, pp. 485-93, 2012, ISSN: 1872-6623 (Electronic) 0304-3959 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Pendaries, V.; Gasc, G.; Titeux, M.; Tonasso, L.; Mejia, J. E.; Hovnanian, A.

siRNA-mediated allele-specific inhibition of mutant type VII collagen in dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa Journal Article

In: J Invest Dermatol, vol. 132, no. 6, pp. 1741-3, 2012, ISSN: 1523-1747 (Electronic) 0022-202X (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Pernet, C.; Bessis, D.; Savignac, M.; Tron, E.; Guillot, B.; Hovnanian, A.

Genitoperineal papular acantholytic dyskeratosis is allelic to Hailey-Hailey disease Journal Article

In: Br J Dermatol, vol. 167, no. 1, pp. 210-2, 2012, ISSN: 1365-2133 (Electronic) 0007-0963 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Robert, V.; Triffaux, E.; Savignac, M.; Pelletier, L.

[Calcium signaling in T lymphocytes] Journal Article

In: Med Sci (Paris), vol. 28, no. 8-9, pp. 773-9, 2012, ISSN: 0767-0974 (Print) 0767-0974 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Seillet, C.; Laffont, S.; Tremollieres, F.; Rouquie, N.; Ribot, C.; Arnal, J. F.; Douin-Echinard, V.; Gourdy, P.; Guery, J. C.

The TLR-mediated response of plasmacytoid dendritic cells is positively regulated by estradiol in vivo through cell-intrinsic estrogen receptor alpha signaling Journal Article

In: Blood, vol. 119, no. 2, pp. 454-64, 2012, ISSN: 1528-0020 (Electronic) 0006-4971 (Linking).

Links | BibTeX

Impact on the society

The knowledge of the biological mechanisms underlying sex differences in immunity is of fundamental importance with potential significant impacts for the management of patients suffering from autoimmune, infectious diseases, cancer or allergy.

This research area has been largely under-studied for many years despite societal demand and the numerous clinical, epidemiological and experimental observations highlighting a major role of sex in the susceptibility, severity and magnitude of numerous immuno- pathological, whether in autoimmune (MAI) and infectious diseases, allergy and anti-tumor immunity.

In recent years, this area has gained increasing interest, particularly following the recommendations of the NIH in 2015, prompting recognition of sex as a biological variable in preclinical studies in order to improve the rigor and reproducibility of research.

Alumni

PhD

  • Abdallah Badou, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 1994-1998

Now assistant Professor at the University of Safi, Marocco

  • Gilles Foucras, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 1997-2000.

Now Full Professor at Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, France

  • Jérôme Coudert, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 1998-2002

Now MCU at Université de Toulouse

  • Lucile Garidou, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2002-2005

Now Research Officer, Pierre Fabre, Toulouse

  • Sophie Laffont, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2003-2007

Now Research Director at CNRS

  • Bruno Gomes diplôme de de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2003-2005

Head, Tumor Immunology, ITEOS THERAPEUTICS, Gosselies, Belgium

  • Marilena Djata Cabral diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2004-2008

Teaching Organizer Université Virtuelle Africaine, Nairobi, Kenya

  • Karine Lélu, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2006-2010

Now Research Officer, Transgene, Illkirch, France

  • Cyril Seillet, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2007-2011

Now Associate Professor, Head of Laboratory. Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

  • Virginie Robert- Gavioli Diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2008-2012
  • Emily Triffaux, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2010-2013

Now Medical Manager Cardiology, Boehringer Ingelheim, Belgium

  • Pascal Azar, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2012-2016

Now post-doctoral fellow, University of Geneva, Switzerland

  • Laure Garnier, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2012-2016

Now post-doctoral fellow, University of Geneva, Switzerland

  • Nicolas Rosa, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2014-2017

Now post-doctoral fellow, University of Geneva, Switzerland

  • Mélanie Souyris, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2013-2017

Now Clinical Cosmetic Research Manager at SEPPIC, Castres.

  • Eve Blanquart, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2017-2021

Now Field Application Specialist Imaging at Miltenyi

  • Nicolas Giang, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2017-2021

Now researcher R&D Genoskin, toulouse

  • Charles-Henry Miquel, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2019-2022

Now Medical student at Toulouse University School of Medicine.

  • Anesi Nina, diplôme de Doctorat en Immunologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 2020-2024

Now post-doctoral fellow at INFINITY.

 

Post-doc

  • Laurent Delpy, INSERM U563, CPTP, Toulouse (2002-2006)
    Now DR2 CNRS, CNRS UMR7276 CRIBL, Limoges, France
  • Victorine Douin, INSERM U563, CPTP, Toulouse (2003-2004)
    Now assistant Professor (MCU-PH) at the University of Toulouse, France
  • Berenice Faz-Lopez, INFINITY (2021-2024)
Collaborations
Infinity
Pr. Roland Liblau
Dr Olivier Joffre

Dr Carole Le Coz

Dr Loic Dupré

Dr Véronique Adoue

Dr Loic Dupré

National

Dr F. Lenfant I2MC, Inserm U1297, Toulouse

Dr J.Chaumeil, Institut Cochin, Université Paris Cité, Paris

Dr C. Rougeulle and  Dr C. Morey, Université Paris Cité, Paris

Dr D.Metzger and Dr G Laverny, IGBMC, Strasbourg

Dr JP. Girard, IPBS, Toulouse

International

Pr F. Barrat, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York

Pr M. Breloer, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany

Partenaires Equipe 3

CNRS

CNRS

Région Occitanie

Région Occitanie

ARSEP

ARSEP

ARTHRITIS

ARTHRITIS

Fondation de recherche médicale

Fondation de recherche médicale

Société Française d’Allergologie

Société Française d’Allergologie

CSL Behring

CSL Behring

ANRS

ANRS

Sidaction

Sidaction

ATIP AVENIR

ATIP AVENIR