Research Axes

Building on the achievements of FHU CARE (2020–2024), the FHU CARE² (2025-2030) project brings together leading clinicians and scientists from AP-HP Bicêtre, Université Paris-Saclay, and Institut Gustave Roussy to accelerate innovations in autoimmunity, cancer, and immunotherapies.

The ambition: to develop new predictive tools, decipher key mechanisms linking autoimmunity and cancer, and design advanced therapeutic strategies with the ultimate goal of curing autoimmune diseases.

The project is structured around four interconnected Axes :

INNOVATE — Innovative Experimental Models & Predictive Tools (Axis 1)

Leaders : Gaëtane Nocturne & Raphaèle Seror

• Development of patient-derived immuno-organoids to model autoimmune diseases, inspired by cancer organoid technologies.
• Integration of large-scale health data (EDS, SNDS) and artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate cancer risk across autoimmune diseases and therapeutic contexts.
• Application of AI-based image analysis to identify diagnostic and prognostic markers in patient biopsies.
• Implementation of computational systems biology approaches to predict lymphomagenesis in Sjögren’s syndrome.

UNDERSTAND — Mechanisms Linking Autoimmunity and Cancer (Axis 2)

Leader : Camille Bigenwald

• Investigation of the impact of JAK inhibitors and other targeted anti-inflammatory biologics on cancer immune surveillance.
• Deciphering the molecular transition from autoimmunity to lymphomagenesis, particularly in Sjögren’s syndrome.
• Comparative studies of immunomodulators used for immune-related adverse events (irAEs) following immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
• Identification of mechanisms driving both therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of CAR-T cells and bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) in cancer and autoimmunity.

TREAT — Advanced Therapeutic Strategies (Axis 3)

Leaders: Xavier Mariette & Samuel Bitoun

• Launch of randomized controlled trials assessing immunosuppressive biologics in immune-related adverse events post immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• Development of combination trials associating immunosuppressive biologics and immune checkpoint therapies to enhance anti-cancer efficacy.
• Evaluation of innovative B-cell–targeted therapies (BTK inhibitors, next-generation anti-CD20) in lymphomas secondary to autoimmune diseases.
• Design of master protocols in partnership with industry to assess CAR-T cells, CAAR-T cells, and bispecific antibodies in autoimmune and hematologic diseases.
• Preclinical development of novel CAR-T targets, including CD130, for hematologic malignancies.
• Establishment of an Intensive Immunotherapy Platform at AP-HP Bicêtre Hospital and Institut Gustave Roussy, dedicated to translational and clinical testing of advanced cellular therapies.

TEACH — Education, Training & Knowledge (Axis 4)

Leaders: Samuel Bitoun & Olivier Lambotte

• The Transdisciplinary Immunology Journal Club (TIJC) gathers clinicians, researchers, and students to discuss cutting-edge advances in immunopathology, with open access to replay sessions on YouTube. The Club TIJC is open to all immunology enthusiasts. It is a club that bringstogether autoimmunity and cancer : two worlds linked by one bridge.
• An annual International Summer School on CAR-T, CAAR-T, and BiTE management across autoimmune and oncologic settings.
• Expansion of digital innovative learning platforms (SPOC MIRACIP) exploring the interface between autoimmunity, cancer and immune-checkpoint toxicities. Courses are designed for clinicians, scientists, and industrial partners.

A Federative Ambition

FHU CARE² embodies the hospital-university excellence of Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, INSERM, and Gustave Roussy fostering transdisciplinary research, education, and clinical innovation at the frontiers of immunology and oncology.