MIF, a central regulator of innate immune responses

We study how MIF is recognized by and signals in innate immune cells. Besides, we and others have shown that MIF levels rise in inflammatory conditions including cancer and sepsis. Hence, in a translational perspective, we have developed small molecules inhibitors of MIF and humanized monoclonal antibodies directed against MIF that reached phase 1/2 clinical trials (collaboration with the EPFL and Baxter AG). Additionally, we have described MIF gene polymorphisms associated with susceptibility and/or severity of severe infections. Hence, we are developing new MIF-directed therapies and tools to risk stratify patients receiving MIF-targeted therapies.

• Didier Le Roy, research associate (PhD)
• Théa Chevalley, technician (Master)

• Prof. Thierry Calandra, CHUV, Lausanne
• Prof. Jürgen Bernhagen, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
• Prof. Eric Giannoni, CHUV, Lausanne
• Prof. Richard Bucala, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

• Annette Ives, research associate (PhD)
• Guruswamy Karnam, research associate (PhD)
• Christian Martin, research associate (PhD)
• Aimilia Pelekanou, research associate (MD, PhD)
• Athina Savva, research associate (MD, PhD)
• Bertrand Betrisey, technician
• Danielle Brandalise, technician
• Anne-Laure Chanson, technician
• Cindy Celeste, technician
• Laurence Guignard, technician
• Marlies Knaup Reymond, technician
• Sylvie Rossier, technician
• Jérôme Lugrin, PhD student
• Amiel Olivos Ortiz, PhD student
• Hajer Ouertatani-Sakouhi, PhD student
• Pascal Renner, PhD student
• Anina Schneider, PhD student
• Simone Delacrétaz, master student
• Xavier Ding, master student
• Catherine Nicolo, master student
• Evelyne Ronner, master student
• Romain Studer, master student
• Jeanna Johneberg, medical student, internship
• Chloé Kaech, medical student, internship
• Philippe Menu, medical student, internship
• Elliot Mermel, summer undergraduate research (SUR) student