Three-year post-doctoral position on HIV persistence in intestinal macrophages

Infinity comprises 15 research teams united around three main themes: Immunology, inflammation and infectious diseases. Infinity is affiliated with INSERM, CNRS and University of Toulouse III and is located within the Toulouse-University Hospital, which enables sustained translational research. Infinity also benefits from cutting-edge core facilities (flow cytometry, immunomonitoring, imaging, genomics and transcriptomics) as well as a BSL-3 laboratory for the manipulation of diverse viruses that represent important public health concerns worldwide (e.g. HIV). Within this context, our team (Team 8 “Viral infection: persistence, host response and pathophysiology”) seeks to understand how viral and host determinants, and their interplay, shape the outcome of viral infections. As part of this research, we have made a major contribution to understand the mechanisms whereby macrophages are infected by HIV-1 and contribute to its dissemination, persistence and pathogenesis (Colin, PLoS Pathog. 2018; Han, PLoS Pathog. 2022; Mascarau, J. Cell Biol., 2023). In a recent article, we described that HIV-1 can persist and be compartmentalized in intestinal myeloid cells in people living with HIV on effective antiretroviral treatment (Vellas, J. Infect. Dis., 2024). In this context, the research project of the successful applicant will aim to study the mechanisms of formation of HIV-1 reservoirs in intestinal macrophages, characterize the phenotype of infected macrophages and investigate their role in the rebound and diversification of viruses in people living with HIV (PLWH) upon treatment interruption.  This multidisciplinary project will shed light on the mechanism of macrophage infection in the gut, a key site for HIV-1 transmission, replication and persistence, whose immune and barrier functions are damaged in PLWH even in the context of effective therapy. Beyond, this project could open up new opportunities for HIV-1 eradication.

The successful applicant will study the mechanisms of HIV-1 reservoir establishment in intestinal macrophages, their phenotypic properties and their role in the context of viral rebound.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a PhD and ideally with experience in basic HIV-1 virology. Background in cell culture, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy would also be appreciated. Strong organizational and communication skills, enthusiasm, autonomy, team spirit and good English writing and speaking capacities are also expected.