Bronchial remodeling

The study of the mechanisms and treatments of bronchial remodeling in asthma and chronic bronchitis is at the heart of this team's work. It has recognized expertise in epithelium-muscle interactions, functional imaging and clinical research.

The bronchial obstructive diseases (mainly asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis) represent 10% of the population in European countries. The bronchial remodeling Team aims at deciphering the pathophysiological mechanisms of bronchial obstructive diseases, using translational approaches, thanks to a strong connection with the clinical investigation center of Bordeaux. Team 2 is organized in 4 thematic axes:

  1. Pathophysiology of asthma through the ages
    Asthma is a common disease marked by bronchial remodeling, hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation. Severe asthma (5% of patients, 50% of costs) is characterized by increased smooth muscle mass and frequent viral-induced exacerbations. New therapies exist, but remission is often incomplete, stressing the need for treatments targeting bronchial remodeling.
  2. Interdisciplinary approaches for COPD understanding
    COPD, often caused by smoke exposure, involves progressive airflow obstruction and frequent infectious exacerbations. Many patients also develop muscle damage, worsening outcomes. The research group studies altered cell interactions using imaging, models, and patient samples to better understand disease mechanisms.
  3. Imaging and AI using CT and MRI techniques
    Personalized medicine relies on early diagnosis and tailored therapies. Biomedical imaging and AI help identify biomarkers, monitor responses, and guide interventions. Developing advanced imaging strategies is key to improving patient care.
  4. Fungal exposome, Mycobiota, and respiratory tract
    The lung microbiome, usually stable, contributes to both health and disease. Pulmonary disorders can alter its composition, raising infection risks. Recent research focuses on the role of fungi and viruses (mycobiome, virome) in asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and emerging infections.