Ileal mucosa of Cx3cr gfp/+ neonatal mice infected by Cryptosporidium parvum. In red, C. parvum, in blue nuclear staining, in green Cx3cr1+ cells. CD64 macrophages and Ly6c+ inflammatory monocytes represent the Cx3cr1+ population. © INRAE, POTIRON Laurent

Apicomplexa and Mucosal Immunity

Team leader: Sonia Lacroix-Lamandé

Ileal mucosa of Cx3cr gfp/+ neonatal mice infected by Cryptosporidium parvum. In red, C. parvum, in blue nuclear staining, in green Cx3cr1+ cells. CD64 macrophages and Ly6c+ inflammatory monocytes represent the Cx3cr1+ population. © INRAE, POTIRON Laurent

Research

Our main scientific objective is to decipher host-pathogen interactions between the parasites Eimeria and Cryptosporidium in order to deliver new preventive methods.
These parasites develop in the intestinal epithelium of their hosts. Our strength is to perform concomitantly activities ranging from basic researches on the parasites and on mucosal immunity of young animals in target or model species to targeted research on immunostimulation of young animals and antiparasitics.
Alongside, the team has also national and international collaborations and a strong connection with animal health companies with whom we perform scientific collaborations on compounds (natural or not) with immunomodulatory and antiparasitic activities.

Pathogens of the chicken coccidiosis and ruminant cryptosporidiosis are ubiquitous in the environment and these diseases severely impact animal production. Cryptosporidiosis is also a zoonosis affecting young children and immunocompromised individuals and therefore a major ‘One Health’ priority. 

Publications

Pubmed since 2012

Team

Scientific staff:
Bussière Françoise
Courtot Elise
Lacroix-Lamandé Sonia
Laurent Fabrice
Silvestre Anne
Tottey Julie

Technicians and assistant engineer:
Pézier Tiffany
Sausset Alix
Sedano Laura

PhD students:
Mayte Antoine
Wenker Janine