Oumeya Adjali

Oumeya Adjali is a prominent research scientist at the French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), where she serves as the head of the TaRGeT laboratory, part of UMR_S 1089 at the University of Nantes. She holds both an M.D. and a Ph.D., specializing in gene therapy and immunology, particularly focusing on the immunological aspects of gene transfer using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors.

Research Focus

Dr. Adjali's research primarily investigates the interactions between AAV vectors and the immune system. Her lab aims to understand how immune responses can affect gene transfer efficiency, especially in cases where pre-existing immunity to AAV may hinder treatment outcomes. The lab explores three main areas:

• Interactions between AAV vectors and immune cells: Understanding how AAV is recognized by the immune system.
• Anti-transgene immunity: Characterizing immune responses that target the therapeutic genes delivered by AAV.
• Development of strategies to circumvent immune responses: Creating methods to modulate or evade these immune responses to improve gene therapy efficacy.124

Publications and Impact

Dr. Adjali has authored numerous publications, contributing significantly to the field of gene therapy. She has been cited over 1,700 times in scientific literature, reflecting her influence and expertise in this area.23

Professional Role

In addition to her research responsibilities, Dr. Adjali plays a crucial role in mentoring students and junior researchers within her lab, fostering a collaborative environment for advancing gene therapy techniques.14

Her work is vital as it addresses key challenges in translating gene therapy from animal models to clinical applications, particularly regarding how the host immune system interacts with therapeutic vectors.