Axis 1 | Urogenital tract and viral exposures

Viral infections of the male genital tract have several deleterious consequences including the spread of viruses via semen, the formation of viral reservoirs, the induction of endocrine disturbance and infertility. Our team is one of the few internationally level to develop research on these aspects in humans.

 

Semen is a major vector of dissemination for several chronic viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B virus, papillomavirus, herpes viruses. It also represent a powerful alternative mode of spreading for emerging viruses responsible for acute infections such as Zika and Ebola viruses, as these viruses can persist in semen despite systemic clearance. One of our objective is to decipher the organ and cell responsible for prolonged virions shedding in semen, and to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for viral persistence in male genital organs, with a focus on the testis. For this, we develop original approaches based on our unique human organs cultures combined with innovative approaches such as single cell RNA seq and 3D microscopy. We also work closely with clinicians for cohorts studies.

For a selection of our publications, see:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Dejucq-*+%2B+virus

Contact: Dr Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford, Research Director Inserm

Our researches are supported by: