Email : Claire-Anne.Siegrist@unige.ch
Tel : +41 22 3795778 / Fax: +41 22 3795801
Addresses

Research area: Development of the neonatal immune system and identification of factors limiting vaccine responses in early life

In the WHO Collaborative Center for Vaccinology and Neonatal Immunology, which is affiliated to the Pathology and the Pediatric departments, we study factors which control the development of the immune system in the neonatal period, through murine models of neonatal immunization and clinical studies, with particular attention to factors limiting vaccine responses. We have identified limitations of neonatal T cell responses (Th1, Tc) required for pathogen clearance and currently assess the relative role of APC, T cells and the neonatal microenvironment. We have observed that limitations of neonatal antibody responses are complex and study the relative contribution of B cells, follicular dendritic cells, maternal antibodies, lymphoid  organs and bone-marrow compartments. The goal is contribute to the development of novel vaccination strategies specifically adapted to the neonatal period, so as to reduce the burden of severe infections in early life.