France Pirenne

France Pirenne is a Professor and Head of the Transfusion and Pathologies of the Red Blood Cell team at the Mondor Biomedical Research Institute (IMRB), part of Inserm and Université Paris Est Créteil. Her research focuses on red blood cell pathologies, particularly sickle cell disease and thalassemia, with expertise in transfusion medicine and hemoglobinopathies. She leads a multidisciplinary team studying immune responses, molecular mechanisms of hemoglobin disorders, and clinical management of transfusion-related complications.

Education & Affiliations

• Team Leader, IMRB - Inserm U955
• Research collaboration with Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS)
• Member of Laboratoire d'Excellence du Globule Rouge (GR-Ex)

Research Interests

Professor Pirenne's work addresses key challenges in hematology, including:

• Alloimmunization mechanisms in red blood cells
• Delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions in sickle cell patients
• Role of dense red blood cells in disease pathophysiology
• Free α-globin pools in thalassemia and other disorders

Her team combines epidemiological, translational, and fundamental studies to advance treatment strategies and reduce transfusion risks.

Recent Research Trends Recent publications emphasize clinical management innovations, immunological mechanisms in sickle cell disease, and molecular interactions in hemoglobinopathies. Studies highlight novel therapies like rituximab and hydroxyurea, alongside insights into T cell dysfunction and antigen expression in severe hemolytic conditions.

Grants & Labs The team's work is supported through Inserm, EFS, and collaborative grants. Key facilities include advanced cell culture labs, flow cytometry, and genomic analysis capabilities at IMRB's Transfusion Pathology unit.