Creusot Lab

Dr. Creusot’s research interests revolve around the pathogenesis and prevention of Type 1 diabetes (T1D). He and his group study how several processes that contribute to the maintenance of immune tolerance are impaired, allowing the progression of the disease. The lab is working on several new therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring immune tolerance and blocking autoimmunity. This research allies basic research, preclinical studies using mouse models, and translational studies using patient samples.

Research Interests

Epitope-based immunotherapy of T1D:

We evaluate several platforms to deliver customized epitopes in an effort to rebuild immune tolerance to beta-cell antigens. Our approaches include:

1) Tolerogenic DNA vaccines

2) Formulated mRNA-based delivery of epitopes and immunomodulators (mRNA vaccines)

3) Engineered antigen-presenting cells (tolerogenic DCs, stromal cells)

4) Soluble antigen arrays (SAgAs)

The first three approaches use our patented Endotope platform; SAgAs are evaluated in partnership with the University of Kansas.

Tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells in T1D:

We characterize antigen-presenting cell populations in relevant tissues such as pancreas-draining lymph nodes from T1D-prone mice and T1D patients to identify possible functional defects and targets for immunotherapy. These populations include poorly studied lymph node stromal cells which the lab intends to leverage in its efforts to reestablish tolerance.

Development of human diabetogenic T cells:

The lab is using state-of-the-art humanized mouse models to study the development of human T cells that recognize beta-cell antigens in an effort to understand why they are not properly purged or regulated in order to prevent autoreactivity against beta-cells.