Laurent Abel

Laurent Abel serves as Head of the Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases laboratory at the Imagine Institute (Inserm, APHP, Université Paris Cité), focusing on identifying genetic factors influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases like tuberculosis, leprosy, and hepatitis. His team combines molecular genetics, immunology, and computational methods to uncover host-pathogen interactions.

Research interests include:

• Molecular basis of infectious disease predisposition
• Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing analysis
• Role of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-23) in immune defense
• Genetic overlap between infectious and inflammatory diseases

Recent work highlights breakthroughs such as discovering TYK2 mutations causing tuberculosis susceptibility and identifying anti-type I IFN autoantibodies in severe COVID-19 cases. The lab also developed computational tools like SeqTailor and PopViz for genetic analysis.

Current projects focus on:

• Genetic determinants of severe viral infections
• Buruli ulcer pathogenesis
• HBV/HCV-related liver carcinogenesis
• Immunogenetic mechanisms in mycobacterial diseases

Advising 4 current PhD students and collaborating internationally, the team receives funding through major grants including the COVIFERON RHU5 project. Their work bridges basic research with clinical applications to combat infectious disease threats.