Hired in CEA in 1989 in the group of D. Dormont, he focused on diagnosis of mother to infant transmission of HIV, and their associated risk factors in French, African cohorts as well as the HIV viral diversity in collaboration with the 2008 Nobel Laureate Barré-Sinoussi’s Pasteur Group. Following the characterization of rare genotypes of HIV, we were the first to assess the chimpanzee origin of the HIVs (group N HIV).
In Gabon 2000-2004 as head of the Retrovirology unit of the Franceville International Research Center. Thanks to the P3/P4 facilities and French ANRS or European Union funds, we studied epidemiology of retrovirus- and hepatitis viruses in human and in non-human primate (NHP). Pierre started to study pathogenic and non-pathogenic HIV/SIV infection in NHP (Asian macaque and African Mandrills).
Back in France since 2005, he focused on chronic viral infection in the non-human primate models of AIDS. In 2006, Pierre developed chikungunya disease models in macaque and, with Australian groups, in mice (A Suhrbier in QIMR, S Mahalingam Grifith University). We’re the first to assess the chikungunya virus persistence during chronic phase and the role of macrophage. Pierre was leader of the animal model system work-package of the European project ICRES “Integrated Chikungunya Research”. The research interest of our group focuses on physiopathology and the usage of these models we share with Lisa FP Ng (Singapore A*STAR) to understand the immune response of arthritogenic viruses that are epidemic or highly endemic in the tropical regions and to evaluate treatment and vaccine with Pr P Liljenstrom (Karolinska Institute, Sweeden). Today Pierre is focusing on pathology of alphavirus diseases in mice model with V Choumet in Pasteur Institute and is recently involved in the EU effort against Zika virus within two EU consortium (Zikallience and Zikavax).