The main objective of the ECREIN team is to characterize the response of immunocompetent cells (ICCs, i.e., immune, adipocyte, endothelial, epithelial, and chondrocyte cells) to changes in their microenvironment. This project falls within the field of immunonutrition, with two major objectives: 1) To Identify the relationships between immune/inflammatory alterations and metabolic disorders linked to nutritional status in physiopathological situations (notably aging, cancer, obesity, osteoarticular pathologies, food allergies and intolerances). 2) To Maintain/optimize the response capacities of immunocompetent cells through targeted nutritional interventions in a preventive and/or therapeutic approach. To this end, a strategy for modulating the dialogue between CICs and other tissues (breast, intestine, bones in particular) is developed through the use of immunomodulatory bioactives (pre- and probiotics, vitamin D, plant bioactives), in order to prevent the risk of chronic pathology associated with aging. In this context, we select and evaluate plants/bioactives of natural origin exerting effects on immunocompetent cells and/or with anti-proliferative activity thanks to our associated skills in phytochemistry and biology.
My research focuses on studying the interactions between mammary epithelial cells (immune-competent barrier cells) and their microenvironment in the context of obesity. Obesity, which has reached epidemic proportions and is one of the most significant diseases of this century, is now recognized as a risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast cancer in postmenopausal women. My research therefore aims to identify the role of the adipose microenvironment in the development of breast cancer through the creation of innovative culture models (2D and 3D). Additionally, we are actively working on the discovery of new plant-based bioactive compounds that could influence these interactions.