RESEARCH PROJECT IN SIgA AND MUCOSAL HOMEOSTASIS

In this research project, we have shown that oral immunization of naive mice with reconstituted SIgA molecules (rSIgA) consisting of mouse pIgA and human SC (hSC) serving as a non-self Ag induced mucosal and systemic responses against hSC in the absence of any mucosal adjuvant. In combination with tracking of dendritic cells (DC) by laser scanning confocal microscopy, the data support the notion that retro-transported SIgA molecules is able to stimulate a mucosal immune response toward associated Ag via their activating action on DC.

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:

• 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.
   
• 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.
   
• Mantis N.J., Cheung M.C., Chintalacharuvu K.R., Rey J., Corthésy B. and Neutra M.R. Selective adherence of immunoglobulin A to murine Peyer’s patch M cells: Evidence for a novel IgA receptor. J. Immunol. 2002, 169:1844-1851.