The laboratory of Charaf Benarafa investigates molecular, cellular and in vivo pathways of innate immune cell responses in infectious and inflammatory diseases. We have a specific interest in understanding molecular mechanisms associated with the host and the environment that contribute to resilience and immunopathology. Pathogens currently studied include zoonotic viruses (such as SARS-CoV-2 and Wesselsbron virus) and infectious diseases of animals with a global impact such as African swine fever.
We have expertise in studying molecular processes mediated by proteases and their regulation by inhibitors such as serpins. At the cellular level, our expertise lies with the biology of innate immune cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. At the level of the organism, we study immune responses to infections and lung diseases. We use innovative unbiased approaches such as proteomics and targeted mutagenesis (CRISPR/Cas) to investigate molecular pathways and we have a broad expertise in the generation and use of transgenic mouse models to support the development of vaccines and therapies for infectious and inflammatory diseases.
