Die Atherosklerose ist eine progressiv fortschreitende entzündliche Erkrankung der Gefäße. Dem Chemokin CCL5 kommt in der Modulation sowie der Progression eine entscheidende Rolle zu. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde der Einfluss der genetischen CCL5-Defizienz auf dem Boden einer Hypercholesterinämie nach Induktion einer experimentellen Gefäßwandläsion hinsichtlich der arteriellen Thrombose und Bildung einer Neointima untersucht. Diesbezüglich wurden Tiere mit dem doppelten Gen-Knockout für ApoE-/- und CCL5-/- (Versuchsgruppe) sowie Tiere mit dem einzelnen Gen-Knockout für ApoE-/- und CCL5+/+ (Kontrollgruppe) generiert. Im Experiment wurde das FeCl3-Modell zur Induktion einer arteriellen Gefäßwandläsion der A.carotis communis sin. verwendet, in deren Folge innerhalb weniger Minuten eine arterielle Thrombose verursacht wurde und die Bildung einer Neointima innerhalb von drei Wochen zur Folge hatte. In beiden Gruppen führte die Gefäßwandverletzung zu einer Thrombusbildung, ein Unterschied bedingt durch die CCL5-Defizienz konnte nach sieben Tagen nicht gezeigt werden. Hingegen konnte eine signifikante Reduktion der Neointima-Fläche sowie eine signifikant verringerte Lumenstenose in der ApoE-/- x CCL5-/--Gruppe (jeweils p<0,05) bei ähnlicher Media-Fläche mit einer signifikant reduzierten I/M-Ratio (p<0,05) ermittelt werden. Immunhistochemische Analysen zeigten eine signifikante Reduktion der CCR5+-Gesamtfläche und eine Steigerung der CCR1+-Neointima-Fläche in der ApoE-/- x CCL5-/--Gruppe (jeweils p<0,05) sowie einen signifikanten Anstieg der CD45+-Neointima-Fläche, der Mac-+Neointima-Fläche (p<0,05) und der Mac-2+-Media-Fläche und der Mac-2+-Gesamtfläche in der ApoE-/- x CCL5-/--Gruppe (jeweils p<0,05). Darüber hinaus konnte eine signifikante Steigerung des antiatherogen wirkenden Transskriptionsfaktors KLF4 in der KLF4+-Neointima-Fläche in der ApoE-/- x CCL5-/--Gruppe (p<0,05) gezeigt werden, sodass die Hypothese einer gegenseitigen Beeinflussung nahe liegt. Zusammenfassend führt die CCL5-Defizienz zu einer signifikant reduzierten Neointima-Fläche nach Induktion einer Gefäßwandläsion mit der Folge einer arteriellen Thrombose. Hämodynamische und Histologische Analysen ergaben jedoch keinen Hinweis dafür, dass dieser Unterschied auf Veränderungen in der Thrombusformation bedingt durch die CCL5- Defizienz beruht. Möglicherweise könnte der atheroprotektive Effekt der CCL5- Defizienz bedingt durch die Hochregulation des atheroprotektiven Transskriptionsfaktors KLF4 oder durch pleiotrope Effekte im Signalweg, aufgrund der verschiedenen Rezeptoren, vermittelt sein.

Em estudo anterior, observamos que o Met-RANTES, antagonista de receptores CCR1 e CCR5 para quimiocinas, injetado pela via endovenosa (i.v.) reduziu a resposta febril induzida pelo lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) de E. coli, demonstrando o envolvimento da quimiocina RANTES (Regulada sob ativação, expressa e secretada por células T normais) nesta resposta. Além disso, a injeção intrahipotalâmica (i.h.) da RANTES dose-dependentemente aumentou a temperatura corporal de ratos, o qual foi caracterizado como febre, pois foi acompanhada de redução da temperatura da cauda, uma resposta termorregulatória para retenção de calor. Observamos também, que a RANTES aumenta a concentração de prostaglandinas no fluido cerebroespinhal (CSF) e que a febre por ela induzida é sensível aos inibidores não-seletivos para as ciclooxigenases e seletivo para COX-2 (Machado et al., 2007). No presente estudo, aprofundamos a investigação sobre os mediadores, incluindo as prostaglandinas, envolvidos na resposta febril induzida pela RANTES. Verificamos que o paracetamol reduziu, enquanto o diclofenaco de sódio aboliu a resposta febril induzida pela RANTES. Ainda, a injeção i.h. da RANTES promoveu significativa expressão do RNAm para COX-2 no hipotálamo, confirmando ser a COX-2 a enzima responsável pela síntese de prostaglandinas envolvidas no efeito pirogênico desta quimiocina. Através da administração de corante in situ e de cortes histológicos, pode-se averiguar o trajeto da cânula bem como a profundidade alcançada pela agulha durante a injeção na área pré-óptica hipotalâmica anterior (AH/POA). Padronizamos a dose do Met-RANTES (i.h.) que não seria capaz de alterar a temperatura retal dos animais. Posteriormente, avaliou-se o efeito de diferentes doses do Met-RANTES, administrado via intrahipotalâmica, na resposta febril induzida pelo LPS ou pela RANTES. Entretanto, nas doses administradas o pré-tratamento com o antagonista não foi capaz de reduzir a febre induzida por ambos os estímulos. Contudo, o Met-RANTES (i.v.) reduziu a febre induzida pelo TNF-alfa (i.h.), reproduzindo resultados anteriores. O pré-tratamento com Met-RANTES (i.v.) não modificou a febre induzida pela injeção central de interleucina (IL)-6, fator liberador de corticotropina (CRF) e bradicinina (BK). Adicionalmente, a injeção de LPS (i.v.) ou TNF-alfa (i.h.) elevou a concentração da RANTES no tecido hipotalâmico. Antalarmina (antagonista de receptores CRF1) e alfa-helical CRF9-41 (antagonista de receptores CRF1 e CRF2) que reduziram a febre induzida pelo CRF, não alteraram a febre induzida pela administração i.h. da RANTES. O antagonista de receptores B1 (DALBK) que reduziu a segunda fase da resposta febril induzida pela BK, não foi capaz de modificar a febre induzida pela RANTES. Da mesma forma, o antagonista de receptores B2 (Hoe-140) que reduziu a resposta febril induzida pela BK durante todo o período de experimentação, não modificou a febre promovida pela RANTES. Por outro lado, verificamos que o anticorpo anti-IL-6 administrado i.h. reduziu a febre induzida pela IL-6 e pela RANTES. Ainda, a injeção de LPS (i.v.) ou RANTES (i.h.) elevou a concentração de IL-6 no CSF, mas não de IL-1 e TNF-. A RANTES promoveu ativação do fator nuclear-kB (NF-kB) e aumentou a expressão do RNAm para as citocinas IL-1beta, TNF-alfa e IL-6 no hipotálamo dos animais. O pré-tratamento com Met-RANTES reduziu, na 2,5 e 6 h, a neutrofilia induzida pelo LPS. Em síntese, nossos resultados demonstram que durante a resposta febril induzida pelo LPS, este induz a síntese de TNF-alfa o qual promove a síntese da quimiocina RANTES que, ativando os receptores CCR1 e CCR5 promove a transmigração do NF-kB do citoplasma para o núcleo e a subseqüente síntese de IL-6 e de COX-2, esta última, a responsável pela síntese de prostaglandina E2 (PGE2), um dos mediadores finais da resposta febril induzida pelo LPS. Além disso, a RANTES parece ser um mediador da resposta de fase aguda, uma vez que, promove dois sinais importantes desta resposta, febre e neutrofilia. / We showed before that Met-RANTES, CCR1 and CCR5 receptor antagonist, intravenously injected (i.v.) reduced fever induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, E. coli), demonstrating the involvement of RANTES (Regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted) in this response. Also, intrahypothalamic (i.h.) injection of RANTES dose-dependently increased body temperature of rats, this increase was characterized as fever, because it was accompanied of a reduction in the tail skin temperature, a thermoregulatory response for heat retention. We also verified that RANTES increased the concentration of prostaglandin (PG)E2 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which was sensible to non-selective and selective blockers to cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 (Machado et al., 2007). In the present study, it was investigated which others mediators, including prostaglandins, are involved in the RANTES-induced fever. The effect of paracetamol and sodium diclofenac on fever induced by RANTES was also investigated. Paracetamol reduced, while sodium diclofenac abolished the RANTES-induced fever. The intrahypothalamic (i.h.) RANTES injection promoted a significant COX-2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, confirming the role of the COX-2 enzyme in the synthesis of prostaglandin involved in the pyrogenic effect of this chemokine. Through administration of dye in situ and histological analyses, we confirmed that the injection in the preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus (AH/POA) was correct. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of different doses of Met-RANTES (i.h.) in the fever induced by both LPS and RANTES. Centrally injected, Met-RANTES did not modify the fever induced by LPS or RANTES. On the other hand, Met-RANTES (i.v.) reduced TNF-alpha-induced fever, but did not modify the fever induced by interleukin (IL)-6, corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and bradykinin (BK). Additionally, the injection of LPS (i.v.) or TNF-alpha (i.h.) increased RANTES concentration in the hypothalamus. Antalarmin (a CRF receptor 1 antagonist) and alpha-helical CRF9-41 (CRF 1 and 2 receptor antagonist) that reduced CRF-induced fever did not modify the fever induced by RANTES (i.h.). DALBK (bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist) that reduced the second phase of BK-induced fever did not modify RANTES-induced fever. In the same way, Hoe-140 (bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist) that reduced the fever induced by BK during the whole period of observation, did not modify RANTES-induced fever. On the other hand, we verified that anti-rat IL-6 antibody (i.h.) reduced the fever induced by both IL-6 and RANTES. In addition, the administration of LPS (i.v.) or RANTES (i.h.) increased the CSF IL-6 concentration, but not of IL-1 and TNF-. RANTES promoted nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) activation and increased IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Pretreatment of the animals with Met-RANTES reduced the LPS-induced neutrophilia. In synthesis, our results suggest that in the fever induced by LPS, RANTES induces TNF- synthesis, which promotes the synthesis of RANTES that, activating CCR1/CCR5 receptors, promotes NF-kB transmigration of cytoplasm to the nucleus and subsequent synthesis of IL-6 and COX-2. The latter, in turn, is responsible by (PGE2) synthesis, one of the final mediators of the febrile response induced by LPS. Moreover, RANTES seem to be a mediator of the acute phase response since it promoted two important signs of this response, fever and neutrophilia.

L’immunothérapie se présente aujourd’hui comme une alternative de choix dans le traitement des cancers. Son objectif est d’amplifier la réponse immunitaire contre les cellules tumorales tout en préservant les cellules normales. Les travaux antérieurs de mon équipe ont démontré qu'une réponse immunitaire antitumorale a lieu dans les carcinomes bronchiques non à petites cellules (CBNPC) et que des lymphocytes T cytotoxiques (CTL) spécifiques peuvent contribuer à la régression de la tumeur. Les travaux de mon équipe ont démontré aussi que l’interaction de l’intégrine CD103, souvent exprimée sur les lymphocytes infiltrant la tumeur (TIL), avec son ligand, le marqueur des cellules épithéliales E-Cadhérine, à la surface des cellules tumorales, est nécessaire à la polarisation des granules cytotoxiques et leur exocytose pour déclencher la lyse de la cellule cible. L’objectif principal de mon projet de thèse est de déterminer la contribution réelle des lymphocytes T CD8+/CD103+ infiltrant les tumeurs épithéliales dans la réponse CTL antitumorale et le rôle de CD103 dans la régulation de leurs fonctions effectrices in situ. Dans un premier temps, j’ai caractérisé, sur le plan transcriptionel et phénotypique, les TIL de CBNPC humains. Mes résultats ont montré que les lymphocytes T CD8+/CD103+ présentent une signature moléculaire caractéristique des cellules T mémoires résidentes dans les tissues (TRM), avec une expression des récepteurs CD69 et CD45RO. Mes résultats ont montré aussi que cette population lymphocytaire co-Exprime les récepteurs inhibiteurs PD-1 et Tim-3. Dans un deuxième temps, j’ai étudié la fonctionnalité des TIL CD8+/CD103+ et le rôle de CD103 dans leur activité cytotoxique anti-Tumorale. Mes résultats ont d’abord indiqué que les lymphocytes T CD103+ sont plus sensibles à la mort cellulaire induite par activation (AICD) que les TIL CD103-, et qu’ils expriment le granzyme B et CD107a suite à une activation spécifique. De plus, ils sont capables d’exercer une activité cytotoxique spécifique à l’encontre des cellules tumorales autologues suite à la neutralisation de l’interaction de PD-1 avec son PD-L1, et que des anticorps anti-CD103 bloquants inhibe cette fonction. Ensuite, j’ai analysé l’impact de l’expression de CD103 à la surface des TIL sur la survie de patients atteints de CBNPC de stade 1. Mes résultats ont révélé que cette intégrine favorise l’infiltration des TIL dans les régions tumorales épithéliales et qu’une forte expression de CD103 sur les TIL corrèle avec une amélioration de la survie des patients. Enfin, J’ai examiné le rôle de CD103 dans cette fonction et dans la réponse immunitaire antitumorale in vivo. Mes résultats préliminaires ont montré une croissance tumorale retardée des tumeurs LL2 transfectées avec l’E-Cadhérine et CCL5 greffées dans les souris CD103-WT. De plus l’inhibition de cette croissance corrèle avec une infiltration plus importante des tumeurs avec des lymphocytes T CD8+/CD103+. Ces résultats suggèrent un rôle important de la coexpression de CCL5 et d’E-Cadhérine par la tumeur dans le recrutement et la rétention des CTL au site tumoral. L’ensemble de ces travaux est en faveur du rôle important de CD103 dans la régulation de l’immunité T CD8 dans les tumeurs épithéliales et de l’utilité des anticorps neutralisants anti-PD-1 et anti-Tim-3 pour inverser l'épuisement de cette population lymphocytaires CD8+/CD103+. / Today Immunotherapy is clearly an alternative choice in the treatment of cancers. Its main objective is to enhance the cytotoxic immune response against tumor cells while preserving normal cells. We have previously demonstrated that there is an antitumor immune response in the Non-Small-Cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) contribute to NSCLC tumor regression. We further showed that the CD103 integrin interaction (oftenly expressed on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL)) with its ligand, the epithelial cell marker E-Cadherin, expressed at the surface of tumor cells, is necessary for the polarization and exocytosis of TIL cytotoxic granules and to trigger the lysis of the tumor target cells. The main purpose of my thesis project is to determine the actual role/ contribution of CD8+/CD103+ T lymphocytes (infiltrating the epithelial tumors) in the regulation of antitumor CTL response and to study the role of CD103 in the regulation of their in situ effector functions. Firstly, TIL infiltrating human NSCLC were characterized at transcriptional and phenotypic level. My results show that CD8+/CD103+ T lymphocytes have a molecular signature characteristic of memory T cells resident in tissues (MRT), with expression of CD69 receptors and CD45RO. My results also showed that this cell population co-Expresses the inhibitory receptors, PD-1 and Tim-3.In a second step, I studied the functionality of CD8+/CD103+ TIL and the role of CD103 in the regulation of anti-Tumor cytotoxic activity. My results have first indicated that CD103+ TIL are more sensitive to activation induced cell death (AICD) than TIL-CD103- and CD103+ TIL express granzyme B and CD107a after specific activation. Furthermore, CD103+ TIL are able to exert a specific cytotoxic activity against autologous tumor cells following the neutralization of PD-1- PD-L1 interaction, and that of anti-CD103 antibody inhibits this blocking function. After, I analyzed the impact of the expression of CD103 on the surface of TIL on the survival of patients with NSCLC stage 1. My results revealed that this integrin promotes the infiltration of TIL in epithelial tumor regions and a strong expression of CD103 on TIL correlates with improved patient survival. Finally, I examined the role of CD103 in this function and the antitumor immune response in vivo. My preliminary results showed a tumor growth delay of LL2 tumors transfected with E-Cadherin and CCL5 grafted in CD103-WT mice. Furthermore inhibition of growth correlates with a higher tumor infiltrating with CD8+/CD103+ T lymphocytes. These results suggest an important role of the coexpression of CCL5 and E-Cadherin by the tumor in the recruitment and retention of CTL at the tumor site. The whole work supports the role of CD103 in regulating the CD8 T cells-Mediated immune response in epithelial tumors and the usefulness of anti-PD-1 neutralizing and anti-Tim-3 for reversing the depletion of this lymphocyte population CD8+ / CD103+.

Em estudo anterior, observamos que o Met-RANTES, antagonista de receptores CCR1 e CCR5 para quimiocinas, injetado pela via endovenosa (i.v.) reduziu a resposta febril induzida pelo lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) de E. coli, demonstrando o envolvimento da quimiocina RANTES (Regulada sob ativação, expressa e secretada por células T normais) nesta resposta. Além disso, a injeção intrahipotalâmica (i.h.) da RANTES dose-dependentemente aumentou a temperatura corporal de ratos, o qual foi caracterizado como febre, pois foi acompanhada de redução da temperatura da cauda, uma resposta termorregulatória para retenção de calor. Observamos também, que a RANTES aumenta a concentração de prostaglandinas no fluido cerebroespinhal (CSF) e que a febre por ela induzida é sensível aos inibidores não-seletivos para as ciclooxigenases e seletivo para COX-2 (Machado et al., 2007). No presente estudo, aprofundamos a investigação sobre os mediadores, incluindo as prostaglandinas, envolvidos na resposta febril induzida pela RANTES. Verificamos que o paracetamol reduziu, enquanto o diclofenaco de sódio aboliu a resposta febril induzida pela RANTES. Ainda, a injeção i.h. da RANTES promoveu significativa expressão do RNAm para COX-2 no hipotálamo, confirmando ser a COX-2 a enzima responsável pela síntese de prostaglandinas envolvidas no efeito pirogênico desta quimiocina. Através da administração de corante in situ e de cortes histológicos, pode-se averiguar o trajeto da cânula bem como a profundidade alcançada pela agulha durante a injeção na área pré-óptica hipotalâmica anterior (AH/POA). Padronizamos a dose do Met-RANTES (i.h.) que não seria capaz de alterar a temperatura retal dos animais. Posteriormente, avaliou-se o efeito de diferentes doses do Met-RANTES, administrado via intrahipotalâmica, na resposta febril induzida pelo LPS ou pela RANTES. Entretanto, nas doses administradas o pré-tratamento com o antagonista não foi capaz de reduzir a febre induzida por ambos os estímulos. Contudo, o Met-RANTES (i.v.) reduziu a febre induzida pelo TNF-alfa (i.h.), reproduzindo resultados anteriores. O pré-tratamento com Met-RANTES (i.v.) não modificou a febre induzida pela injeção central de interleucina (IL)-6, fator liberador de corticotropina (CRF) e bradicinina (BK). Adicionalmente, a injeção de LPS (i.v.) ou TNF-alfa (i.h.) elevou a concentração da RANTES no tecido hipotalâmico. Antalarmina (antagonista de receptores CRF1) e alfa-helical CRF9-41 (antagonista de receptores CRF1 e CRF2) que reduziram a febre induzida pelo CRF, não alteraram a febre induzida pela administração i.h. da RANTES. O antagonista de receptores B1 (DALBK) que reduziu a segunda fase da resposta febril induzida pela BK, não foi capaz de modificar a febre induzida pela RANTES. Da mesma forma, o antagonista de receptores B2 (Hoe-140) que reduziu a resposta febril induzida pela BK durante todo o período de experimentação, não modificou a febre promovida pela RANTES. Por outro lado, verificamos que o anticorpo anti-IL-6 administrado i.h. reduziu a febre induzida pela IL-6 e pela RANTES. Ainda, a injeção de LPS (i.v.) ou RANTES (i.h.) elevou a concentração de IL-6 no CSF, mas não de IL-1 e TNF-. A RANTES promoveu ativação do fator nuclear-kB (NF-kB) e aumentou a expressão do RNAm para as citocinas IL-1beta, TNF-alfa e IL-6 no hipotálamo dos animais. O pré-tratamento com Met-RANTES reduziu, na 2,5 e 6 h, a neutrofilia induzida pelo LPS. Em síntese, nossos resultados demonstram que durante a resposta febril induzida pelo LPS, este induz a síntese de TNF-alfa o qual promove a síntese da quimiocina RANTES que, ativando os receptores CCR1 e CCR5 promove a transmigração do NF-kB do citoplasma para o núcleo e a subseqüente síntese de IL-6 e de COX-2, esta última, a responsável pela síntese de prostaglandina E2 (PGE2), um dos mediadores finais da resposta febril induzida pelo LPS. Além disso, a RANTES parece ser um mediador da resposta de fase aguda, uma vez que, promove dois sinais importantes desta resposta, febre e neutrofilia. / We showed before that Met-RANTES, CCR1 and CCR5 receptor antagonist, intravenously injected (i.v.) reduced fever induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, E. coli), demonstrating the involvement of RANTES (Regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted) in this response. Also, intrahypothalamic (i.h.) injection of RANTES dose-dependently increased body temperature of rats, this increase was characterized as fever, because it was accompanied of a reduction in the tail skin temperature, a thermoregulatory response for heat retention. We also verified that RANTES increased the concentration of prostaglandin (PG)E2 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which was sensible to non-selective and selective blockers to cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 (Machado et al., 2007). In the present study, it was investigated which others mediators, including prostaglandins, are involved in the RANTES-induced fever. The effect of paracetamol and sodium diclofenac on fever induced by RANTES was also investigated. Paracetamol reduced, while sodium diclofenac abolished the RANTES-induced fever. The intrahypothalamic (i.h.) RANTES injection promoted a significant COX-2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, confirming the role of the COX-2 enzyme in the synthesis of prostaglandin involved in the pyrogenic effect of this chemokine. Through administration of dye in situ and histological analyses, we confirmed that the injection in the preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus (AH/POA) was correct. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of different doses of Met-RANTES (i.h.) in the fever induced by both LPS and RANTES. Centrally injected, Met-RANTES did not modify the fever induced by LPS or RANTES. On the other hand, Met-RANTES (i.v.) reduced TNF-alpha-induced fever, but did not modify the fever induced by interleukin (IL)-6, corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and bradykinin (BK). Additionally, the injection of LPS (i.v.) or TNF-alpha (i.h.) increased RANTES concentration in the hypothalamus. Antalarmin (a CRF receptor 1 antagonist) and alpha-helical CRF9-41 (CRF 1 and 2 receptor antagonist) that reduced CRF-induced fever did not modify the fever induced by RANTES (i.h.). DALBK (bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist) that reduced the second phase of BK-induced fever did not modify RANTES-induced fever. In the same way, Hoe-140 (bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist) that reduced the fever induced by BK during the whole period of observation, did not modify RANTES-induced fever. On the other hand, we verified that anti-rat IL-6 antibody (i.h.) reduced the fever induced by both IL-6 and RANTES. In addition, the administration of LPS (i.v.) or RANTES (i.h.) increased the CSF IL-6 concentration, but not of IL-1 and TNF-. RANTES promoted nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) activation and increased IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Pretreatment of the animals with Met-RANTES reduced the LPS-induced neutrophilia. In synthesis, our results suggest that in the fever induced by LPS, RANTES induces TNF- synthesis, which promotes the synthesis of RANTES that, activating CCR1/CCR5 receptors, promotes NF-kB transmigration of cytoplasm to the nucleus and subsequent synthesis of IL-6 and COX-2. The latter, in turn, is responsible by (PGE2) synthesis, one of the final mediators of the febrile response induced by LPS. Moreover, RANTES seem to be a mediator of the acute phase response since it promoted two important signs of this response, fever and neutrophilia.

Les cellules Natural Killer (NK) sont des effecteurs de l’immunité innée qui jouent un rôle important dans la surveillance immunitaire anti-tumorale. Le concept d’immunothérapie basée sur l’activation des cellules NK a ainsi émergé comme une approche thérapeutique convaincante. Malgré les avancées spectaculaires réalisées ces dernières décennies, les connaissances concernant la biologie des cellules NK restent largement fragmentées. La mise en place de stratégies thérapeutiques anti-tumorales utilisant les cellules NK nécessite donc une compréhension approfondie des mécanismes de résistance développés au sein du microenvironnement tumoral. Les travaux menés au laboratoire ont révélé que certains mécanismes de résistance intrinsèque développés par les cellules tumorales dépendent de l’activation de l’autophagie en réponse à un stress hypoxique. Ces travaux ont démontré que l’activation de l’autophagie en condition de stress hypoxique, diminue la susceptibilité des cellules tumorales à la lyse par les cellules NK, qui peut être restaurée par l’inhibition de Beclin1. Ces mêmes travaux ont également démontré in vivo que l’inhibition de Beclin1 diminue la progression tumorale dans des modèles syngéniques murins de cancer de sein et de mélanome.Dans cette étude, nous avons montré dans un modèle murin de mélanome, que la régression des tumeurs déficientes en Beclin1 était corrélée à une augmentation significative d'infiltration des cellules NK. Nous avons établi que cette infiltration accrue est due à une augmentation d'expression et de sécrétion de la chémokine CCL5. De plus, dans les tumeurs déficientes en Beclin1, ayant une forte expression de CCL5, l’inhibition de CCL5 était suffisante pour diminuer l'infiltration des cellules NK et bloquer la régression tumorale.Ayant établi le rôle majeur de CCL5 dans l'infiltration des cellules NK dans les tumeurs de mélanome déficientes en Beclin1, nous avons étudié, dans la deuxième partie, le(s) mécanisme(s) moléculaire(s) impliqué(s) dans la régulation de CCL5. Nous avons démontré que l’inhibition génétique ou pharmacologique de l’autophagie induit la voie SAPK/JNK dans les cellules tumorales et active par conséquence le cofacteur de transcription c-Jun impliqué dans l'expression de CCL5. Plus précisément, nous avons établi que l'induction de SAPK/JNK est due à un défaut de l'activité phosphatase de la protéine phosphatase 2A (PP2A).Dans la dernière partie, nous avons étudié l'impact clinique de l’expression de CCL5 dans le cas du mélanome. L’analyse de différentes biopsies de mélanomes a montré une corrélation positive et significative de CCL5 avec l’expression du marqueur des cellules NK NKp46. Ce résultat a été validé sur une large collection de mélanomes, disponible dans la base de données TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas). La survie à long terme de patients atteints de mélanome ayant une expression élevée de CCL5 est significativement améliorée par rapport à ceux ayant une faible expression de cette chémokine.L'ensemble de nos résultats démontre pour la première fois que la diminution de la croissance tumorale suite l’inhibition de l'autophagie est étroitement liée à une amélioration de l'infiltration des cellules NK dans les tumeurs. Cette infiltration résulte d'une augmentation de l'expression la chémokine CCL5 par les cellules tumorales déficientes en Beclin1. Cette étude souligne l’intérêt de cibler l'autophagie afin d’établir un microenvironnement tumorale favorable à l'infiltration des cellules NK. Ainsi, l'inhibition sélective de l'autophagie dans les cellules tumorales pourrait améliorer les stratégies thérapeutiques anti-tumorales basées sur les cellules NK. / One of the major obstacles to define an efficient cancer immunotherapy protocol is the capacity of hypoxic tumor microenvironment to inhibit the host immune response. In line with this concept, we have shown that hypoxia impairs natural killer (NK) cell-mediated killing of cancer cells. This impairment was not related to a defect in NK cell function, but was strikingly dependent on the induction of the autophagic degradation process in hypoxic tumor cells. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of autophagy restored NK-mediated killing of hypoxic tumor cells. . We have validated this concept in vivo by showing that targeting autophagy enhanced the NK-mediated regression of breast and melanoma tumors in mice. This regression was related to an increase in NK cells infiltrating autophagy defective tumor as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry staining of NK cells. The present project aims to investigate how autophagy inhibition increases tumor infiltration by NK cells leading to an improvement of NK-mediated anti-tumor immune response et to identify fectors which may be implicated in the infiltration of NK cells into the tumors.

Introdução: O diabetes melito pós-transplante (DMPT) é uma complicação comum em transplantados renais e está associada a desfechos desfavoráveis. Tanto a adiponectina como a quimiocina ligante 5 (CCL5) têm relação com o metabolismo da glicose, o que permite supor que polimorfismos nesses genes possam levar ao desenvolvimento de DMPT. Objetivo: Verificar a associação dos polimorfismos do gene da adiponectina e da CCL5 com DMPT em transplantados renais caucasianos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo caso-controle aninhado a uma coorte de transplantados renais do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Duzentos e setenta transplantados renais caucasianos (83 com DMPT e 187 sem DMPT), com pelo menos um ano de transplante, foram incluídos no estudo. Pacientes com diabetes melito pré-transplante e com múltiplos transplantes de órgãos foram excluídos. O diagnóstico de DMPT foi realizado através dos critérios da Associação Americana de Diabetes. Dados sócio-demográficos e clínicos foram coletados. A genotipagem dos polimorfismos 276G/T (rs1501299) do gene da adiponectina e dos polimorfismos rs2280789 e rs3817665 do gene da CCL5 foi realizada pela técnica de discriminação alélica por PCR (polymerase chain reaction) em tempo real. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do HCPA e todos os pacientes assinaram o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Resultados: O genótipo TT do polimorfismo 276G/T do gene da adiponectina foi mais frequente nos pacientes com DMPT do que naqueles sem diabetes, em comparação aos genótipos GG/GT (modelo recessivo; p=0,031). O genótipo TT foi identificado como fator de risco independente para o DMPT em transplantados renais caucasianos, no modelo ajustado para as variáveis: idade no momento do transplante, índice de massa corporal pré-transplante e uso de tacrolimus (TT vs. GG/GT, HR=1,88 IC95% 1,03-3,45, p=0,041). Não houve diferença na distribuição dos genótipos e alelos dos polimorfismos rs2280789 e rs3817655 do gene da CCL5 entre os pacientes com e sem DMPT. Conclusões: O polimorfismo 276G/T do gene da adiponectina está associado ao DMPT em transplantados renais caucasianos. / Background: New onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is an increasingly recognized complication of kidney transplantation that is associated with poor outcomes. Both adiponectin and chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) are related to glucose metabolism, allowing hypothesize that genetic variation in their genes can lead to development of NODAT. Objective: To investigate the association between adiponectin and CCL5 genes polymorphisms with NODAT in Caucasian kidney transplant recipients. Methods: This nested case-control study was undertaken within a cohort of kidney transplant recipients from Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Two hundred seventy Caucasian kidney transplant recipients (83 with NODAT and 187 without NODAT) with at least one year of transplantation were included in this study. Patients with pretransplant diabetes mellitus and multi-organ transplantation were excluded. NODAT diagnosis was determined by American Diabetes Association criteria. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Subjects were genotyped for 276G/T adiponectin gene polymorphism and rs2280789 and rs3817655 CCL5 gene polymorphisms by real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and all subjects received adequate information about this study and gave informed consent. Results: The TT genotype of 276G/T adiponectin gene polymorphism was significantly more frequent in NODAT than non-NODAT patients, compared to GG/GT genotypes (recessive model; p=0.031). TT genotype was identified as an independent risk factor for NODAT in Caucasian kidney transplant recipients, after adjusting for age at transplantation, pretransplant BMI and tacrolimus usage (TT vs. GG/GT, HR=1.88 95%CI 1.03-3.45, p=0.041). There were no differences in genotype and allele distributions of rs2280789 and rs3817655 CCL5 gene polymorphisms between NODAT and non-NODAT groups. Conclusions: The 276G/T adiponectin gene polymorphism is associated with NODAT in Caucasian kidney transplant recipients.

Introdução: O diabetes melito pós-transplante (DMPT) é uma complicação comum em transplantados renais e está associada a desfechos desfavoráveis. Tanto a adiponectina como a quimiocina ligante 5 (CCL5) têm relação com o metabolismo da glicose, o que permite supor que polimorfismos nesses genes possam levar ao desenvolvimento de DMPT. Objetivo: Verificar a associação dos polimorfismos do gene da adiponectina e da CCL5 com DMPT em transplantados renais caucasianos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo caso-controle aninhado a uma coorte de transplantados renais do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Duzentos e setenta transplantados renais caucasianos (83 com DMPT e 187 sem DMPT), com pelo menos um ano de transplante, foram incluídos no estudo. Pacientes com diabetes melito pré-transplante e com múltiplos transplantes de órgãos foram excluídos. O diagnóstico de DMPT foi realizado através dos critérios da Associação Americana de Diabetes. Dados sócio-demográficos e clínicos foram coletados. A genotipagem dos polimorfismos 276G/T (rs1501299) do gene da adiponectina e dos polimorfismos rs2280789 e rs3817665 do gene da CCL5 foi realizada pela técnica de discriminação alélica por PCR (polymerase chain reaction) em tempo real. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do HCPA e todos os pacientes assinaram o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Resultados: O genótipo TT do polimorfismo 276G/T do gene da adiponectina foi mais frequente nos pacientes com DMPT do que naqueles sem diabetes, em comparação aos genótipos GG/GT (modelo recessivo; p=0,031). O genótipo TT foi identificado como fator de risco independente para o DMPT em transplantados renais caucasianos, no modelo ajustado para as variáveis: idade no momento do transplante, índice de massa corporal pré-transplante e uso de tacrolimus (TT vs. GG/GT, HR=1,88 IC95% 1,03-3,45, p=0,041). Não houve diferença na distribuição dos genótipos e alelos dos polimorfismos rs2280789 e rs3817655 do gene da CCL5 entre os pacientes com e sem DMPT. Conclusões: O polimorfismo 276G/T do gene da adiponectina está associado ao DMPT em transplantados renais caucasianos. / Background: New onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is an increasingly recognized complication of kidney transplantation that is associated with poor outcomes. Both adiponectin and chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) are related to glucose metabolism, allowing hypothesize that genetic variation in their genes can lead to development of NODAT. Objective: To investigate the association between adiponectin and CCL5 genes polymorphisms with NODAT in Caucasian kidney transplant recipients. Methods: This nested case-control study was undertaken within a cohort of kidney transplant recipients from Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Two hundred seventy Caucasian kidney transplant recipients (83 with NODAT and 187 without NODAT) with at least one year of transplantation were included in this study. Patients with pretransplant diabetes mellitus and multi-organ transplantation were excluded. NODAT diagnosis was determined by American Diabetes Association criteria. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Subjects were genotyped for 276G/T adiponectin gene polymorphism and rs2280789 and rs3817655 CCL5 gene polymorphisms by real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and all subjects received adequate information about this study and gave informed consent. Results: The TT genotype of 276G/T adiponectin gene polymorphism was significantly more frequent in NODAT than non-NODAT patients, compared to GG/GT genotypes (recessive model; p=0.031). TT genotype was identified as an independent risk factor for NODAT in Caucasian kidney transplant recipients, after adjusting for age at transplantation, pretransplant BMI and tacrolimus usage (TT vs. GG/GT, HR=1.88 95%CI 1.03-3.45, p=0.041). There were no differences in genotype and allele distributions of rs2280789 and rs3817655 CCL5 gene polymorphisms between NODAT and non-NODAT groups. Conclusions: The 276G/T adiponectin gene polymorphism is associated with NODAT in Caucasian kidney transplant recipients.

Introdução: O diabetes melito pós-transplante (DMPT) é uma complicação comum em transplantados renais e está associada a desfechos desfavoráveis. Tanto a adiponectina como a quimiocina ligante 5 (CCL5) têm relação com o metabolismo da glicose, o que permite supor que polimorfismos nesses genes possam levar ao desenvolvimento de DMPT. Objetivo: Verificar a associação dos polimorfismos do gene da adiponectina e da CCL5 com DMPT em transplantados renais caucasianos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo caso-controle aninhado a uma coorte de transplantados renais do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Duzentos e setenta transplantados renais caucasianos (83 com DMPT e 187 sem DMPT), com pelo menos um ano de transplante, foram incluídos no estudo. Pacientes com diabetes melito pré-transplante e com múltiplos transplantes de órgãos foram excluídos. O diagnóstico de DMPT foi realizado através dos critérios da Associação Americana de Diabetes. Dados sócio-demográficos e clínicos foram coletados. A genotipagem dos polimorfismos 276G/T (rs1501299) do gene da adiponectina e dos polimorfismos rs2280789 e rs3817665 do gene da CCL5 foi realizada pela técnica de discriminação alélica por PCR (polymerase chain reaction) em tempo real. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do HCPA e todos os pacientes assinaram o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Resultados: O genótipo TT do polimorfismo 276G/T do gene da adiponectina foi mais frequente nos pacientes com DMPT do que naqueles sem diabetes, em comparação aos genótipos GG/GT (modelo recessivo; p=0,031). O genótipo TT foi identificado como fator de risco independente para o DMPT em transplantados renais caucasianos, no modelo ajustado para as variáveis: idade no momento do transplante, índice de massa corporal pré-transplante e uso de tacrolimus (TT vs. GG/GT, HR=1,88 IC95% 1,03-3,45, p=0,041). Não houve diferença na distribuição dos genótipos e alelos dos polimorfismos rs2280789 e rs3817655 do gene da CCL5 entre os pacientes com e sem DMPT. Conclusões: O polimorfismo 276G/T do gene da adiponectina está associado ao DMPT em transplantados renais caucasianos. / Background: New onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is an increasingly recognized complication of kidney transplantation that is associated with poor outcomes. Both adiponectin and chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) are related to glucose metabolism, allowing hypothesize that genetic variation in their genes can lead to development of NODAT. Objective: To investigate the association between adiponectin and CCL5 genes polymorphisms with NODAT in Caucasian kidney transplant recipients. Methods: This nested case-control study was undertaken within a cohort of kidney transplant recipients from Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Two hundred seventy Caucasian kidney transplant recipients (83 with NODAT and 187 without NODAT) with at least one year of transplantation were included in this study. Patients with pretransplant diabetes mellitus and multi-organ transplantation were excluded. NODAT diagnosis was determined by American Diabetes Association criteria. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Subjects were genotyped for 276G/T adiponectin gene polymorphism and rs2280789 and rs3817655 CCL5 gene polymorphisms by real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and all subjects received adequate information about this study and gave informed consent. Results: The TT genotype of 276G/T adiponectin gene polymorphism was significantly more frequent in NODAT than non-NODAT patients, compared to GG/GT genotypes (recessive model; p=0.031). TT genotype was identified as an independent risk factor for NODAT in Caucasian kidney transplant recipients, after adjusting for age at transplantation, pretransplant BMI and tacrolimus usage (TT vs. GG/GT, HR=1.88 95%CI 1.03-3.45, p=0.041). There were no differences in genotype and allele distributions of rs2280789 and rs3817655 CCL5 gene polymorphisms between NODAT and non-NODAT groups. Conclusions: The 276G/T adiponectin gene polymorphism is associated with NODAT in Caucasian kidney transplant recipients.

En dehors des effets cytostatiques ou cytotoxiques sur les cellules tumorales, certaines thérapies anti-cancéreuses peuvent déclencher la mort cellulaire immunogénique, libérant les signaux de danger pour alerter le système immunitaire. Les cellules T CD8+ T (Tc1) productrices d’IFN- et spécifiques de la tumeur sont nécessaires pour le succès de la chimiothérapie et la diminution de la croissance tumorale. L’amorçage d’une réponse bénéfique Tc1 dépend de la sécrétion d'IL-1β par les cellules dendritiques confrontées à des cellules tumorales traitées avec de l’anthracycline libérant de l’ATP. Pour identifier les composants inflammatoires qui lient les réponses immunitaires innées et adaptatives, nous avons analysé l'influence de la chimiothérapie immunogène sur le microenvironnement de la tumeur. Nous avons identifié une up-régulation de gènes associés à la réponse Th1 et Th17 dans un modèle de tumeur répondant au traitement par les anthracyclines par un retard de croissance. En interférant avec les voies IFN- ou l'IL-17A, l'effet thérapeutique de la doxorubicine et l'oxaliplatine a été aboli et le vaccin à base de cellules tumorales mortes ne protège plus les souris de la réintroduction de cellules tumorales vivantes. Nous avons également découvert que des sous-populations distinctes de lymphocytes T  (V4+ et V6+) colonisent des tumeurs peu de temps après la chimiothérapie, où ils ont proliféré et sont devenus producteurs majeurs de l’IL-17 au sein de la tumeur. Nous avons constaté une forte corrélation entre la présence de lymphocytes T  producteurs d’IL-17 ( T17) et de TIL CD8+ (Tc1) dans trois modèles différents de tumeurs traitées par la chimiothérapie ou la radiothérapie. IL-17A agit sur la signalisation en amont de l'IFN- puisqu’un défaut d’expression d’IL-17RA conduit à la perte complète de la production des Tc1 spécifiques de l’antigène. La contribution des cellules  T17 (V4+ et V6+) dans l’effet bénéfique de la chimiothérapie est essentielle puisque les souris V4/6-/-. L’axe IL-1β/IL-1R, mais pas IL-23/IL-23R, est essentielle pour la production d'IL-17 par les cellules T et l’effet bénéfique de la chimiothérapie. Le transfert adoptif de lymphocytes  T peut rétablir l'efficacité de la chimiothérapie dans le modèle de souris IL-17A-/- et améliorer l'effet de la chimiothérapie chez la souris wt, s'ils conservent l'expression de l'IL-1R et de l'IL-17A. Nos résultats suggèrent l’existence d’un axe fonctionnel: DC (IL-1β) → cellules T (IL-17) → Tc1 (IFN-), déclenché par la chimiothérapie induisant la mort des cellules tumorales, phénomène essentiel pour une réponse thérapeutique favorable. Pour renforcer la réponse immunitaire, nous essayons de combiner la chimiothérapie « immunogène » avec le vaccin anti-tumoral en présence d’adjuvants (poly (A:U), l'agoniste de TLR3).Ce type de thérapie séquentielle combinée, appelé VCT, pourrait retarder considérablement la croissance des tumeurs, voire l’éradiquer complètement et établir une protection spécifique à long terme. Pour décortiquer l'effet de la poly (A:U) sur le système immunitaire et sur les cellules tumorales exprimant le TLR3, nous avons effectué un traitement VCT chez la souris nude, TRIF-/- et les souris présentant une diminution de l’expression de TRIF au niveau des cellules tumorales. Ainsi l'effet anti-tumoral de VCT requiert les lymphocytes T et la voie de signalisation TRIF intacte au niveau de l'hôte et des cellules tumorales. Le traitement poly (A:U) peut induire un niveau élevé de production de certaines chimiokines associées à la réponse de type Th1 (CCL5 et CXCL10 ) par les cellules tumorales in vitro et in vivo, ce qui peut influencer négativement et positivement les résultats thérapeutiques. Le découplage de l’action de CCL5 et de XCL10, pourrait améliorer le traitement par la VCT. Notre étude souligne ainsi le rôle des facteurs inflammatoires dérivés de la tumeur et de l’hôte dans la régulation de la réponse immunitaire anti-tumorale. / Besides exerting cytostatic or cytotoxic effects on tumor cells, some anti-cancer therapies (anthracyclines, oxaliplatin, X-Rays) could trigger an immunogenic cell death modality, releasing danger signals to alert immune system. We have shown that tumor-specific IFN- producing CD8+ T cells (Tc1) are mandatory for the success of chemotherapy to prevent tumor outgrowth. Priming of Tc1 response depends on IL-1β secretion by DC confronted with anthracycline-treated tumor cells releasing ATP. To identify the inflammatory components which link innate and cognate immune responses, we analyzed the influence of immunogenic chemotherapy on tumor microenvironment. We found an upregulated Th1- and Th17-related gene expression pattern in growth-retarded tumor after anthracycline treatment. By interfering with IFN- or IL-17A pathways, therapeutic effect of doxorubicin and oxaliplatin was abolished and dying tumor cell-based vaccine lost its efficacy to protect mice from live tumor cell rechallenge. Interestingly, we discovered that distinct subsets of  T lymphocytes (V4+ and V6+) colonized tumors shortly after chemotherapy, where they proliferated and became the dominant IL-17 producers within tumor beds. In three tumor models treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, a strong correlation between the presence of IL-17-producing  T ( T17) and IFN--producing CD8+ TIL (Tc1) was discovered. IL-17A signaling acts as upstream of IFN- since defect in IL-17RA led to complete loss of antigen specific Tc1 priming. The contribution of  T17 cells (V4+ and V6+) to chemotherapy is critical as V4/6-/- mice showed reduced sensitivity to chemotherapy and vaccination. Also, tumor infiltrating  T17 and Tc1 cells were reduced to basal level in this strain. IL-1β/IL-1R, but not IL-23/IL-23R, is pivotal for IL-17 production by  T cells and the success of chemotherapy. Importantly, adoptive transfer of  T cells could restore the efficacy of chemotherapy in IL-17A-/- mice and ameliorate the effect of chemotherapy in wild type host, provided that they retain the expression of IL-1R and IL-17A. Our research suggest a DC (IL-1β) →  T cells (IL-17) → Tc1 (IFN-) immune axis triggered by chemotherapy-induced dying tumor cells, which is critical for the favorable therapeutic response. To boost the immune system, we try to combine immunogenic chemotherapy with tumor vaccine in the presence of TLR3 agonist Poly (A:U). This sequential combined therapy, which we named VCT, could significantly retard tumor growth or even completely eradicate tumor and establish long-term protection against rechallenge in highly tumorigenic models. To dissect the effect of Poly (A:U) on immune system and that on TLR3 expressing-tumor cells, we performed VCT treatment in nude mice, TRIF-/- mice and with TRIF-silencing tumors. Interestingly, our results suggested that anti-tumor effect of VCT required T cells and intact TRIF signaling pathway at the level of the host and that of tumor cells. Poly (A:U) treatment could induce high level of CCL5 and CXCL10 production from tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo, which could negatively and positively influence the therapeutic outcome. By uncoupling the effect of CCL5 from that of CXCL10, the VCT treatment can be ameliorated. Our study emphasizes that both tumor and host derived inflammatory factors participate in regulating anti-tumor response. We also highlight that therapeutic application of TLR agonists can be optimized through regulating the profile of chemokines and their downstream signaling events.

Le virus Influenza de type A (IAV) est un agent pathogène hypervariable responsable d’une infection respiratoire aiguë appelée la grippe. L’hyper-variabilité de ce virus IAV lui permet d’être résistant aux traitements antiviraux et est responsable de l’apparition des épidémies de grippe saisonnières. Il est donc essentiel d’établir de nouveaux traitements curatifs « à spectre large » insensibles aux variations du virus de la grippe. Les nanoparticules d’argent (NPs-Ag) sont les nanomatériaux métalliques les plus présents dans le secteur de la santé. En effet, leurs propriétés physico-chimiques leur confèrent de nombreuses capacités telles que la modulation des réponses immunitaires au niveau du poumon et des effets antimicrobiens. Quelques études ont démontré le potentiel anti-IAV des NPs-Ag lorsqu’elles sont placées directement en contact avec le virus IAV. Cependant, aucune de ces études ne porte sur les effets des NPs-Ag dans un contexte physiologique constitué d’une infection grippale suivie d’un traitement. D’autre part, au jour d’aujourd’hui, on ignore les mécanismes d’action mis en place par ces NPs-Ag et les effets induits par l’interaction de ces NPs-Ag avec le système immunitaire dans le contexte d’une infection par l’IAV. Dans ce travail de thèse, l’objectif est d’identifier les mécanismes d’action mis en place par les NPs-Ag au cours de l’infection par le virus IAV et également d’identifier si ces NPs-Ag pourraient être utilisées comme traitement curatif.Dans ce manuscrit de thèse, nous avons pu identifier, dans les cellules épithéliales pulmonaires, un nouveau mécanisme de modulation des NPs-Ag sur la réponse anti-IAV précoce médiée, entre autres, par la sécrétion de la chimiokine CCL5 et de l’IFN-. En effet, les NPs-Ag ciblent spécifiquement la voie de signalisation RIG-I-MAVS-IRFs, activée suite à l’infection par l’IAV et qui est liée à la mitochondrie. Ces NPs-Ag ciblent également en parallèle, à la fois le réseau mitochondrial et le flux autophagique. L’ensemble de ces effets conduit à une redistribution des facteurs de régulation des IFNs (IRFs), les empêchant potentiellement d’interagir avec d’autres facteurs de la voie de signalisation RIG-I/MAVS, ce qui pourrait expliquer l’inhibition de la sécrétion de CCL5 et de l’IFN-b, induite par le virus influenza de type A, par les nanoparticules d’argent. / The Influenza A virus (IAV) is a hyper-variable pathogen causing acute respiratory infection known as Flu. Its hyper-variability allows it to be resistant to antiviral treatment. It is therefore essential to establish new curative "broad spectrum" treatments. Silver nanoparticles (NPs-Ag) are the most metallic nanomaterials present in the health sector and are potent microbicidal agents with major concerns about their use on humans because of their toxicity. Some studies have shown the antiviral effect of NPs-Ag against IAV, but not in a physiological context of Flu. Moreover, the antiviral and immunomodulation mechanisms of NPs-Ag during infection by IAV is still unclear. Here, we show that intra-tracheal administration of AgNPs to influenza infected mice or treatment of human lung epithelial cells with AgNPs resulted in exacerbated inflammation, reduced viral clearance and enhanced mortality associated to different regulation of KC (pro-inflammatory cytokine functionally homologue to human IL-8) and CCL-5 (interferon-related cytokine) in the lung. In this PhD thesis, we identified in lung epithelial cells, a new mechanism explaining dampening of mitochondrial antiviral immunity by AgNPs through alteration of the mitochondrial network leading to redistribution of IFNs regulatory factors 7, which prevents nuclear translocation of these factors. Finally, AgNPs increased LC3 positive vesicles and p62 expression, indicating that AgNPs modify the autophagy flux in lung epithelial cells. Thus, the NPs-Ag Ag inhibited the early anti-IAV response by specifically targeting the RIG-I/MAVS/IRFs signaling pathway resulting in down- regulation of CCL-5 and IFN-ß expression induced by IAV.