We are extending our work on TB and leprosy by studying new phenotypes (subjects highly resistant to TB infection and reversal reactions in leprosy) and collecting new samples. We have an ongoing project on the genetic basis of Buruli ulcer, the third most common mycobacterial disease. We will continue our work on the most severe HCV- and HBV- related complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepato-carcinoma. Our strategy combines a candidate gene/pathway strategy with genome-wide (GW) approaches. In particular, we are now investigating the role of rare variants with strong individual effects using WES and WGS studies which needs the development of specific analysis methods. All these projects are being performed in large field studies that we are coordinating and involve many collaborators.

Together with the other research group in the laboratory (JL Casanova), we are also investigating the genetic control of some of these infections from the perspectives of both Mendelian predisposition to rare phenotypes (e.g. severe TB or fulminant hepatitis) and complex predisposition to common phenotypes (e.g. pulmonary TB or HCV/HBV infection). The identification of host genes involved in human infectious diseases will provide new keys to understanding the pathogenesis mechanisms underlying disease development, with potentially major practical implications for the control of infectious diseases.