Creusot Lab

Dr. Creusot’s research interests revolve around the pathogenesis and prevention/treatment of Type 1 diabetes (T1D). He and his group study how the processes that contribute to the maintenance of immune tolerance are impaired, using in vivo models with murine and human immune systems. 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 develop and evaluate several platforms to deliver customized epitopes in an effort to rebuild immune tolerance to beta-cell antigens. Our approaches include:

1. Tolerogenic DNA and mRNA vaccines
2. Engineered antigen-presenting cells (tolerogenic DCs, stromal cells)
3. Soluble antigen arrays (SAgAs)

The first two approaches use our patented Endotope platform; SAgAs are evaluated in partnership with Washington University in St Louis.

Thymic 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. We also use these models to investigate the process of immune infiltration of human islet grafts in vivo and evaluate therapeutic interventions.