I am an immuno-pharmacologist (PhD) and senior research scientist at the INRAE (Val de Loire). My research focuses on identifying and characterizing mediators of inflammation and the role of the intestinal microbiota in the chicken mucosal immune response to influenza virus along the “gut-lung axis”. Host’s effector mechanisms necessary to deal with infection are not necessarily the same that will exacerbate inflammation and drive disease. We thus aim to provide solid rationale on how mediators of inflammation and metabolites produced by the gut microbiota regulates immune functions at mucosal sites, therefore contributing to optimal viral clearance or to unwanted inflammation.

Trying to finance comparative immunology across the Atlantic Ocean

The field of comparative immunology, which explores the immune mechanisms across different species, holds immense potential for advancing our understanding of immune responses in livestock and improving animal health. Despite these rich scientific legacies, contemporary challenges persist in securing adequate financial support for research in this discipline. Factors such as limited funding availability, competing priorities, and the complex nature of livestock immunology research pose immense hurdles. This lecture will delve into exploring strategies and potential collaborations that can foster sustainable funding models for comparative immunology research in livestock species. By addressing the challenges faced in the context of Brazil and France, this lecture seeks to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, fostering a vibrant scientific community that advances our knowledge of livestock immunology, ultimately benefiting animal welfare, agricultural productivity, and global health.