Jean-Laurent Casanova

Jean-Laurent Casanova is a distinguished physician-scientist and researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of human genetics and infectious diseases. He currently holds several prestigious positions:

Professional Roles

• Levy Family Professor at The Rockefeller University13
• Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (appointed in 2014)24
• Head of the St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases at The Rockefeller University12
• Head of the Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases at the Imagine Institute in the Necker Hospital for Sick Children in Paris3

Research Focus

Dr. Casanova's work focuses on understanding the genetic and immunological determinants of life-threatening infectious diseases. His research has revolutionized our understanding of human immunity to infections by:

• Identifying single-gene mutations that make individuals susceptible to specific infectious diseases while remaining resistant to others23
• Uncovering the role of inborn errors of immunity in various viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, including influenza, tuberculosis, candidiasis, and COVID-192
• Challenging long-held beliefs about human immunity and revealing that genetic disorders affecting immunity are more common than previously thought3

Achievements and Recognition

• Since 1995, Dr. Casanova has identified over 70 genes with single-gene mutations related to specific infectious disease susceptibilities3
• His work has had significant clinical implications for diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases2
• In 2023, he was awarded the Maria I. New International Prize for Biomedical Research by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai for his groundbreaking contributions3

Dr. Casanova's research has not only advanced our understanding of human immunity but has also had a substantial impact on patient care, particularly in the context of life-threatening infectious diseases.