Denis Hudrisier
Professor – Immunology – University of Toulouse
Professor in Immunology at Paul Sabatier University – University of Toulouse, within the Institute of Pharmacology and Structural Biology (IPBS, CNRS), my scientific and academic career revolves around three main pillars: research, pedagogical innovation, and science communication. For over 25 years, I have been exploring, teaching, and sharing the fascinating workings of the immune system.
My Scientific Background
My career began with fundamental research on antigen presentation by MHC molecules in the team of Jean-Edouard Gairin in Toulouse. I studied the structure of antigenic peptides and their recognition by T lymphocytes, including during research stays in the laboratories of Michael Oldstone (San Diego, USA) and Stanley Nathenson (New York, USA). I then continued in Switzerland, at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Lausanne), where I worked on CD8+ T cell activation and the signaling mechanisms of their receptor (TCR). This period greatly strengthened my expertise in cellular immunology.
Upon returning to Toulouse, I was appointed as Associate Professor and later Professor at Paul Sabatier University. I studied immune tolerance, thymic selection of T lymphocytes, and the development of regulatory T cells in the team of Joost van Meerwijk. Between 2003 and 2009, in Étienne Joly’s group, I launched my own research on a then-emerging mechanism: trogocytosis, a process involving membrane transfer between immune cells. Our work coined the term for the phenomenon and opened up an internationally recognized field of research.
Since 2009, I have been conducting research on immunity to tuberculosis within the team of Olivier Neyrolles at IPBS (Toulouse). I am currently investigating the role of CD8+ T lymphocytes in the murine model of this disease. These projects are supported by the ANRS and European programs (TBVAC, ITHEMYC).
My Commitment to Teaching
My teaching spans all levels of higher education, from undergraduate to doctoral studies. I am co-director of the Master’s program “Immunology, Immunopathologies and Infections” (I3) and academic coordinator of the EUR UNITEID graduate school, which focuses on emerging infectious diseases. I have created and currently teach several original courses, such as “Scientific Foundations and Societal Issues of Vaccination” (2nd/3rd year undergraduate level), “Multidisciplinary Thematic Projects” (centered on tuberculosis) in the 3rd year, and “Fundamental Immunology,” also in the 3rd year.
In 2018, I received the national PEPS Award for Pedagogical Innovation for the Immunova program—a hybrid learning platform (SPOC)—as well as for numerous student-centered projects that promote creativity, collaboration, and active engagement.
My Involvement in Science Communication and Citizen Science
Since 2018, I have increased my engagement in science outreach. Together with my students, I designed ImmunEscape, an educational escape game focused on anti-tuberculosis immunity, which now exists both as a physical escape room and in virtual reality. I also developed the DIP4KIDS program, aimed at explaining immune deficiencies to hospitalized children through games, booklets, and videos.
