CNU 87 Basic and Clinical Biological Sciences, attached to the Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Nutrition laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Clermont-Ferrand.

Research Activities

Like any organ or system, the immune system requires proteins, energy, trace elements, and vitamins to normally perform its functions, which rely on cell division and activation mechanisms, protein synthesis, and numerous enzymatic activities. These needs are clearly demonstrated by the susceptibility to infections observed during different types of malnutrition and deficiency, which can result from alterations in so-called specific (B and T lymphocytes) or nonspecific (phagocytic cells) immunity. Certain nutrients provided by the diet have the ability to specifically modulate the immune response, giving rise to the concept of nutritional immunomodulation. For example, we have shown that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit the production of prostaglandin E2 by cyclooxygenase 2 and thus reduce inflammatory processes. Similarly, arginine is a preferential substrate for lymphocytes, ensuring both their proliferative capacity and the expression of surface antigens necessary for the immune response such as CD3.

Well known for its role in bone mineralization, vitamin D also has a powerful immunomodulatory role due to the expression of its receptor, VDR, and the enzymes necessary for its metabolism at the level of immune cells. Using cellular models (PBMC, macrophages, Jurkat), preclinical and clinical, our research project aims to analyze the effects of vitamin D on the polarization of the immune response (pro/anti-inflammatory), and on the production of ROS and anti-microbial peptides (cathelicidin, beta-defensins) by immune cells. This project is part of the prospects for a reassessment of vitamin D needs in the French population which presents (especially in the elderly) abnormally low circulating levels.

Most notable publications

• Talvas J, Garrait G, Goncalves-Mendes N, Rouanet J, Vergnaud-Gauduchon J, Kwiatkowski F, Bachmann P, Bouteloup C, Bienvenu J, Vasson M.P. Immunonutrition stimulates immune functions and antioxidant defense capacities of leukocytes in radiochemotherapy-treated head & neck and esophageal cancer patients: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. Clin Nutr. 2015 Oct;34(5):810-7.
   
• Vasson MP, Farges MC, Goncalves-Mendes N, Talvas J, Ribalta J, Winklhofer-Roob B, Rock E, Rossary A. Does aging affect the immune status? A comparative analysis in 300 healthy volunteers from France, Austria and Spain. Immun Ageing. 2013 Sep 6;10(1):38.
   
• Vasson MP, Talvas J, Perche O, Dillies AF, Bachmann P, Pezet D, Achim AC, Pommier P, Racadot S, Weber A, Ramdani M, Kwiatkowski F, Bouteloup C. Immunonutrition improves functional capacities in head and neck and esophageal cancer patients undergoing radiochemotherapy: A randomized clinical trial. Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;33(2):204-10.
   
• Talvas J, Caris-Veyrat C, Guy L, Rambeau M, Lyan B, Minet-Quinard R, Lobaccaro JM, Vasson MP, Georgé S, Mazur A, Rock E. Differential effects of lycopene consumed in tomato paste and lycopene in the form of a purified extract on target genes of cancer prostatic cells. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Jun;91(6):1716-24. IF 6.918
   
• Deval C, Talvas J, Chaveroux C, Maurin AC, Mordier S, Cherasse Y, Parry L, Carraro V, Jousse C, Bruhat A, Fafournoux P. Amino-acid limitation induces the GCN2 signaling pathway in myoblasts but not in myotubes. Biochimie. 2008 Nov-Dec;90(11-12):1716-21.
   
• Talvas J, Obled A, Fafournoux P, Mordier S. Regulation of protein synthesis by leucine starvation involves distinct mechanisms in mouse C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes. J Nutr. 2006 Jun;136(6):1466-71.

Other links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremie-talvas-09a692b1/
• ASMS