Helping our body fight pathogens
The Infectious and Immune Diseases (IID) program positions itself as one of the largest groups in its field in Canada, with excellent international visibility.
This program brings together a critical mass of excellent researchers recognized worldwide for their work aimed at better understanding the molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance, as well as the host’s immune response to infections and inflammatory and autoimmune processes in the context of systemic autoimmune rheumatic and bone diseases. The goal of this research is to ultimately develop new preventive and therapeutic approaches for better control of infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, rheumatic, and bone diseases.
Researchers in the program use cutting-edge experimental approaches, such as next-generation sequencing, metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microfluidics, nanotechnology, and real-time bioimaging to identify new therapeutic and preventive targets. They promote the development of new clinical research platforms and also work to advance the transfer of biomedical breakthroughs into clinical practice and public health programs. Their work contributes to technology transfer, the regional economy, and improved patient care. Their research has had significant impacts on the development of new diagnostic tests, inflammation biomarkers, vaccines, adjuvants, and population-level vaccination strategies.
The program’s researchers maintain numerous collaborations within the CHU de Québec-Université Laval and Université Laval, as well as with other universities in Canada and abroad. Many are members of networks and centers of excellence. The IID program researchers are also involved in decision-making concerning policies and strategies in infectious and immune diseases at both national and international levels.
