I became interested in immunology during my studies of Biochemistry in the University of Chile. Indeed, during my undergraduate thesis, I investigated the imprinting of tissue-specific homing potential on T cells by dendritic cells. Then, in 2005 I moved to the Curie Institute in Paris, to perform my PhD in Immunology under the supervision of Bénédicte Manoury. During this period, I studied the role of endosomal proteases in the regulation of intracellular TLRs activity. In 2010 I came to the Necker Hospital for my postdoctoral training where my main focus of interest was to determine the contribution of impaired cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytic syndrome (also known as Macrophage activation syndrome – HLH/MAS) in Geneviève de Sanit Basile's lab. In 2016, I was recruited by the French CNRS. Since 2010, my work has greatly contribute to characterize the role of cytotoxic lymphocytes to the regulation of the immune response, and to understand the genetic, molecular and cellular basis underlying different forms of HLH/MAS. My current research projects aim to characterize the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying severe primary immune disorders, with particular emphasis in HLH/MAS, as well as actin-related PIDs.

Currently, a M2 student position is available in my team for a motivated student interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in immunology. The research project aims to determine the impact that deleterious mutation impairing actin dynamics have in cell migration and primary immunodeficiencies. The successful candidate will implement a multi-disciplinary approach mixing microscopy, cell biology, immunology and microfluidics.

Prospective students may apply to fernando.sepulveda@inserm.fr