Philippe Gros

Philippe Gros' laboratory uses genetic analysis in experimental mouse models to identify genes and pathways that are required for the function of lymphoid and myeloid immune cells and for protection against infections such as malaria and tuberculosis. Using phenotype-driven genetic screen in mutagenized mice, they identify genes which inactivation protects mice against acute neuroinflammation, a pathological feature of cerebral malaria caused by Plasmodium berghei. The discovered genes include Ccdc88b, a protein essential for the migratory function of myeloid cells, Themis and Zbtb7b, two proteins that are required for development and pro-inflammatory function of T cells, and Usp15, a de-ubiquitinase that activates type I interferon response in the brain and in immune cells via RIG-I signaling, and IRF1 and IRF8, 2 transcription factors that are necessary for the development and pro-inflammatory function of dendritic cells, and NK cells. Using a similar approach, they have shown that deficiency in the erythrocyte enzyme Bpgm, protects mice against both blood stage (P. chabaudi) and cerebral (P. berghei) malaria through modification of the intracellular milieu of the erythrocyte, the replicative niche of Plasmodium parasites in the blood. Finally, they have used genomic and epigenetic approaches to identify the pathways regulated by IRF1 and IRF8 (IRF1/IRF8 regulome) in myeloid cells. In collaboration with other laboratories (JL Casanova), they have determined that several of the genes in the IRF1/IRF8 regulome are mutated in patients suffering from primary immunodeficiencies. In addition, several of these genes are associated with susceptibility to chronic inflammatory conditions in humans, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. Several of these genes are now being investigated in the lab as potential targets for drug development and therapeutic intervention in these common human diseases.

Professor Gros is also Deputy Vice-Principal (Research and Innovation), since November 2018. As Deputy Vice-Principal (Research and Innovation), Professor Gros’ principal mandate is to support the overall mission of advancing innovation and research excellence at McGill. He provides strategic vision and leadership in setting the course for how innovation and partnership initiatives are conceived, funded, and organized at McGill as well as collaboratively nationwide and internationally. He also supports the overall strategic directions of large-scale national and international research initiatives at the University. Professor Gros has previously served as Vice-Dean, Life Sciences, in McGill’s Faculty of Medicine.