Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases of Toulouse (Infinity)

The ‘Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory diseases’ (Infinity), established January 1st 2021, results from the merge of two research units localized on the Purpan campus, the CPTP (Center of Pathophysiology of Toulouse-Purpan) and the UDEAR (Epithelial Differentiation and Rheumatoid Autoimmunity Unit). In the past years, strong links between members of the CPTP and the UDEAR emerged in the frame of scientific collaborative works, scientific animations and at the logistic level. The two units have developed unique and very complementary expertises. On one hand, the CPTP has acquired an excellent reputation in high-end basic research in Immunology, Infection and Physiopathology. On the other hand, the UDEAR has developped strong partnerships with the Industry, has many licensed patents and has created unique links with clinicians of Toulouse University-Hospital. We are convinced that there is not only a common cultural background between our teams, but true promising synergies that are to flourish in a common project. On this basis, we have decided to merge the CPTP and the UDEAR and we have defined the outlines of a new Institute focused on Infectious and Inflammatory Disease, the ‘Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory diseases’ (Infinity). This institute is a leading research institute providing a productive scientific environment that is structured along three main themes: Immunology and Inflammatory and Infectious diseases. Infinity is affiliated with INSERM, CNRS and the University Toulouse III. It is composed of 14 research teams with international reputation, 4 cutting-edge core facilities and an efficient support team (more than 260 total members).

Our research spans from basic research such as the development of the immune system and its functions to translational research. We  investigate host-pathogen interactions and the onset of immune responses occurring in the context of viral infections (HIV, Zika virus, Hepatitis E, Influenza virus, cytomegalovirus, Borna virus) or parasitic infections (toxoplasma, malaria). We decipher the physiopathological mechanisms involved in autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes) or allergies (asthma, atopic dermatitis). We also study anti-tumor responses and immune senescence. We conduct clinical studies on asthma, multiple sclerosis, HIV or neurodegenerative diseases. We are also engaged in optimizing  vaccine strategies and developing novel immunotherapies.

Infinity is collectively committed to acquire knowledge in these primary research themes in order to promote their recognition and dissemination. The training of young researchers, tomorrow’s future leaders, is one of the main missions of the Institute. Our location within the university hospital of Toulouse Purpan allied to our strong commitment to translational research represent key assets to design and perform research likely to impact on people’s live.

• Director: Nicolas Fazilleau
• Deputy directors: Fatima L’Faqihi, Nicolas Blanchard & Jacques Izopet

Our Scientific Advisory Board : Président Dr. James di Santo – Institut Pasteur, Dr. Ellen Robey – University of California (Berkeley) USA, Dr. John Sinclair – University of Cambridge (UK), Dr. Thomas Korn – University of Munich (Allemagne), Dr. Valérie Cormier Daire – Institut Imagine (Paris, France), Pr. Erwin Tschachler – Vienna General Hospital (Austria), Dr. Marc Bonneville – University of Nantes (France) and Institut Mérieux, Dr. Walter Reith – University of Geneve (Swiss).