Centre d'Etude des
Pathologies Respiratoires

Research Center for Respiratory Diseases

About us

Mustapha Si-Tahar (Head of CEPR)

The Research Center for Respiratory Diseases (CEPR) is an academic laboratory comprising 4 teams situated in Tours , France, within the shared campus of the Faculty of Medicine and the Bretonneau University Hospital (CHU).
It was established in 2012 by the INSERM (National Institute of Health and Medical Research) and the University of Tours. Since then, CEPR is directed by Dr. Mustapha Si-Tahar (Inserm Research Director (DR1) ). Since 2024, he has also been supported by Dr. Fabrice Gouilleux (CNRS Research Director (DR2)) as Deputy-Director.

Our Research Focus

With a total of approximately 85 members, CEPR focuses on elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying inflammatory and infectious respiratory diseases . Our main research themes include antimicrobial immunity, proteolytic mechanisms in inflammation, medicinal chemistry and inhaled therapies for respiratory diseases.

Our Collaborative Approach

We leverage a diverse combination of scientists and clinicians to advance our objectives with a strong focus on human health. Our unit cultivates fruitful partnerships with private companies in therapeutics and inhalation devices . Moreover, we actively engage with patient associations.

Metrics

Inserm Researchers / Lecturers / Professors

Clinicians

Engineers and Technicians

Total Workforce

Research
teams

TEAM 1

Pathophysiology of lung infections

TEAM 2

Proteolytic enzymes and their pharmacological targeting in lung diseases

TEAM 3

Pharmacology of Inhaled Pharmaceuticals

TEAM 4

Biology of Innate T cells & Lung immunity

Education

Several CEPR members are involved in various training courses at the University of Tours.

CEPR’s teams welcome and supervise many students who have successfully defended their doctoral theses in biological sciences.

Science
Technical Institute
Medicine
Pharmacy

Faculty of Science and Technology

• In charge of program A for « Santé -Sciences Biologiques – Chimie du Vivant » doctoral scholl (ED 549, SSBCV)

• Head of the iochemistry and Microbiology Departments.

• Head of the 2nd year of the research master « Physiopathologie » and the 3rd year of the « Sciences du Vivant » bachelor.

• Responsible for the first year of the « Biologie et Santé » master’s degree and for coordinating teaching.

• Multiple teaching responsibilities in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year bachelor’s degrees, as well as 1st and 2nd year master’s degrees (Technical Institute, Faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine)

Technical Institute

• Head of the Biological engineering department

• Responsabilities for bachelor internships

Faculty of medicine

• Coordination of diploma (DESC & DES for the Centre-Val de Loire region).

• Pneumology Commission of the « Conseil National du Concours de l’Internat »

Faculty of pharmaceutical sciences

• Responsabilities in the internship program

• Member of the pedagogical comission

Collaborations

The CEPR maintains strong ties with both the academic, the clinical communities and the industrial sectors, leveraging its extensive expertise.

The CEPR actively collaborates with renowned national and international academic laboratories, as well as research support agencies and institutions such as France 2030, ANR, H2020, Labex, and GDR.
These expansive networks and relationships foster innovation.

Furthermore, the CEPR partners with international pharmaceutical and aerosol device companies, resulting in joint publications, scientific communications, and patent filings. Notably, several patents have been licensed through these partnerships.
At local and regional levels, the CEPR collaborates with multiple SMEs, including DTF medical – Aerodrug, Chemineau, and Artimmune.