RESEARCH PROJECT IN MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY
 

The mucosal immune system forms a highly integrated network of host cells and molecular factors organized in lymphoid tissues and mucous membrane-associated epithelia. Immune and innate components contribute to the development of local immune responses, including Th1 and Th2 cells, plasma cells producing secretory IgA, cytokines, defensins. The mucosal immune system is unique in that it can provide both positive and negative signals for the induction and regulation of immune responses in mucosal and systemic compartments following mucosal antigen exposure. Multiple research projects associated with this topic are ongoing.

1993-1997: Group leader, University of Lausanne and ISREC, Epalinges 1990-1992: Post-doctoral fellow and Instructor, Stanford University, CA-USA 1986-1989: Post-doctoral fellow and Maître-assistant, University of Lausanne 1986: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Geneva 1983: M.Sc. in Biochemistry, University of Geneva 1982: B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Chemistry, University of Geneva Professional Memberships: Swiss Society for Immuno-Allergy, Society for Mucosal Immunology, French Society for Immunology, Swiss Society for Experimental Biology and Biochemistry Honor: 2002 Pfizer Research Award in Rheumatology, Immunology and Clinical Immunology

Selected publications:

• Corthésy B. Roundtrip ticket for secretory IgA: Role in mucosal homeostasis ? J. Immunol. 2007, 178:27-32.
   
• Kadaoui K.A. and Corthésy B. Secretory IgA mediates bacterial translocation to dendritic cells in mouse Peyer's patches with restriction to mucosal compartment. J. Immunol. 2007, 179:7751-7757.
   
• Fasching C.E., Grossman T., Corthésy B., Plaut A.G., Weiser J.N. and Janoff E.N. Impact of the molecular form of immunoglobulin A on functional activity in defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Infect. Immun. 2007, 75:1801-1810.
   
• Corthésy B., Benureau Y., Perrier C., Fourgeux C., Parez N., Greenberg H. and Schwartz-Cornil I. Rotavirus anti-VP6 secretory IgA contributes to protection via intracellular neutralization but not via immune exclusion. J. Virol. 2006, 80:10692-10699.
   
• Bernasconi E., Fritsché R. and Corthésy B. Specific effects of denaturation, hydrolysis and exposure to Lactococcus lactis on bovine beta-lactoglobulin transepithelial transport, antigenicity and allergenicity. Clin. Exp. Allergy 2006, 36:803-814.
   
• Favre L., Spertini F. and Corthésy B. Secretory IgA possesses intrinsic modulatory properties stimulating mucosal and systemic immune responses. J. Immunol. 2005, 175:2793-2800.
   
• Jilek S., Walter E., Merkle H.P. and Corthésy B. Modulation of allergic responses in mice using biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 2004, 114:943-950.
   
• Rey J., Garin N., Spertini F. and Corthésy B. Targeting of secretory IgA to Peyer’s patch dendritic and T cells following transport by intestinal M cells. J. Immunol. 2004, 172:3026-3033.
   
• Phalipon A. and Corthésy B. Novel functions of the polymeric Ig receptor: well beyond transport of immunoglobulins. Trends Immunol. 2003, 24:55-58.
   
• Corthésy B. Recombinant immunoglobulin A: powerful tools for fundamental and applied research. Trends Biotechnol. 2002, 20:65-71.
   
• Phalipon A., Cardona A., Kraehenbuhl J.-P., Edelman L., Sansonetti P. and Corthésy B. Secretory component: a new role in secretory IgA-mediated immune exclusion in vivo. Immunity 2002, 17:107-115.