Spring 2025 Grantee Highlight:
Remi J. Creusot

Remi J. Creusot, PhD
Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Columbia University

The Creusot Lab is developing a cell therapy approach to treat organ-targeted autoimmune diseases using patients’ own engineered hematopoietic stem cells. Transplanted without the need for harsh conditioning treatments, these modified cells provide a long-lasting source of immune cells designed to block the activity of disease-causing immune cells.

Autoimmune diseases affect 5–10% of the population in the developed world, yet most treatments do not target the root cause and often result in significant side effects. The Creusot Lab aims to develop therapies that are safe, specific, and durable, with a particular focus on autoimmune Type 1 diabetes.

This project builds on promising preclinical and translational research. Patient-derived hematopoietic stem cells are engineered to express the specific targets recognized by pathogenic immune cells. Once reintroduced into the body, even a small number of these cells can engraft and produce immune cells that “bait”, engage, and reprogram rogue immune responses—potentially halting disease progression permanently.

This innovative approach has the potential to provide long-term disease control without the toxicity typically associated with conventional stem cell transplantation.