Aspergillus fumigatus: new challenges in respiratory health

Better understanding of pulmonary defense mechanisms

Respiratory infections caused by microorganisms represent a major public health issue. Among these infectious agents, certain fungi present in the air can cause serious diseases. Loïc Guillot, Inserm Research Director at the Saint-Antoine Research Center (Inserm, Sorbonne University), proposes to study the mechanisms of action involved in the onset of these diseases in order to identify new avenues for better preventing and treating these infections.

Aspergillus: the silent emergency

Lung diseases caused by fungi, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, are an increasingly worrying health problem worldwide. The World Health Organization ranks it among the most urgent threats to public health, due to its growing resistance to treatment and factors such as climate change, which favor its spread. 

Aspergillus is a fungus found in the environment, and we inhale its spores every day. Our bodies defend themselves thanks to certain cells in the lungs, which form a protective barrier and trigger an immune response. However, in people with weakened immune systems or lung disease, this fungus can cause infections, or aspergillosis, which are serious conditions that can be fatal in some cases.

The project led by Loïc Guillot's research team aims to better understand how the lungs' defense mechanisms work. The overall goal of this research is to identify new avenues for developing more effective treatments.

  • credit: Inserm Saint Antoine

  • credit: Inserm Saint Antoine

    Loïc Guillot Inserm Research Director at the Saint-Antoine Research Center

  • credit: Inserm Saint Antoine

  • credit: Inserm Saint Antoine

  • Approximately 6.5 million people worldwide affected by a potentially fatal fungal disease

  • 30 to 40 Mortality rate for invasive aspergillosis

EPHA2: a key role in Aspergillus fumigatus infection?

The project led by Dr. Guillot and his team aims to elucidate the role of EphA2, a tyrosine kinase receptor expressed on the surface of lung epithelial cells, in the detection of pathogens and control of invasion by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. A better understanding of these mechanisms could pave the way for new prophylactic or therapeutic strategies against this serious respiratory infection.

“

I strongly support the Aspergillus fumigatus research project. Dr. Guillot's team has over 20 years of expertise in the field of respiratory diseases. Their innovative approach is essential to better understand the mechanisms of this serious respiratory infection. This fundamental research is the first step toward developing new therapeutic strategies, such as the use of blocking antibodies. Funding this project means investing in concrete solutions to combat a major public health problem.

”

Aude Milet

Air Liquide Expert

What the Air Liquide Foundation does

The Air Liquide Foundation contributes to the remuneration of a researcher involved in the project, as well as to the purchase of the consumables necessary for its implementation.

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