SFM 2026

Lucie Etienne

Bats are reservoir species for multiple viruses, however interestingly most of the time they do not appear to be affected by diseases linked to those viruses! Adaptations within the bat immune system are considered to be associated with viral tolerance. The keynote by an expert during this plenary session will provide an opportunity to summarize what is known about these animals' incredible immune systems and to better understand the bats’ virus reservoir is able to carry viruses potentially responsible for spillovers in humans.

Frédéric LAURENT

Description to follow.

Jose BENGOECHEA

This session will explore the dynamic interplay between host-imposed metabolic pressures and bacterial adaptive responses, highlighting recent advances in understanding how metabolic warfare influences pathogenesis. By dissecting these molecular battles, we aim to uncover novel therapeutic targets and deepen our knowledge of host-pathogen co-evolution.

SP1 - Pathogénie microbienne

Plant pathogens and environmental constraints

Recent data show that the regulation of virulence factor production and metabolism are interconnected, and that when infecting animal and plant hosts, pathogenic bacteria tend to use similar factors and mechanisms to control their expression. Furthermore, changing environmental conditions impose adaptation constraints on these pathogens, meaning they must evolve in order to survive. The invited talk will focus on Ralstonia solanacearum, the bacterium that causes a lethal bacterial wilt disease with a very wide host range. The exceptional adaptability of this pathogen is demonstrated by the frequent emergence of strains with enhanced pathogenic properties in agricultural fields, which puts pressure on production. Various studies using evolutionary experiments, functional genomics and transcriptomics demonstrate that master regulators are prime targets for mutations or epimutations during adaptation, inducing global rewiring of virulence and metabolism regulatory pathways. These genomic or epigenomic modifications can induce phenotypic heterogeneity in populations, a crucial adaptive strategy in pathogens to cope with the spatially heterogeneous environments of their host. Integrating the various processes involved in pathogen adaptation is essential for developing rational plant protection strategies. This is a prerequisite for reconciling environmental constraints with food production.

SP2 - Virologie fondamentale

"Exotic" and dangerous viruses

This session will focus on diseases linked to “exotic viruses” that no longer recognize borders and whose presence in humans has intensified in recent years. This session will also provide a better understanding of the vectors responsible for spreading these diseases and the various tools developed for field approaches. These vectors take advantage of human mobility, rising temperatures, and changes in our habitats to expand their own. Do not be afraid to come and learn about new epidemic threats and understand the means being considered for prevention and control!

SP3 - Innovations pédagogiques

Retours d'expérience d'enseignements innovants

Cette session a pour but de présenter des travaux de retours d'expérience d'enseignements innovants en Microbiologie (outils ou techniques d'enseignements).

SP4 - Biotechnologies microbiennes

Microbial biocontrol: innovative antimicrobial strategies and biotechnological applications

This session will highlight recent advances in microbial biocontrol for sustainable crop protection and plant health. It will focus on innovative antimicrobial strategies based on beneficial microorganisms and their metabolites to control plant pathogens, reduce chemical inputs and stimulate induced systemic resistance. Presentations will address mechanistic insights, factors influencing their effectiveness, microbial engineering and bioprocess optimization enabling the development of next-generation biocontrol solutions. Particular emphasis will be placed on field-relevant applications.

SP5 - Mycologie

Les champigons à l’épreuve des enjeux climatiques : adaptations fongiques et stratégies des extrêmophiles

Le réchauffement climatique bouleverse la répartition et la dynamique des champignons dans tous les écosystèmes. Les espèces fongiques déploient des stratégies adaptatives complexes pour survivre et se développer dans des conditions thermiques, hygrométriques et chimiques difficiles. Comprendre ces mécanismes permet d’anticiper les impacts écologiques et sanitaires, notamment en matière de pathogénicité émergente et de résistance aux antifongiques. Dans ce contexte, les champignons extrêmophiles, capables de prospérer dans des environnements particulièrement hostiles - sources hydrothermales, zones arides, substrats fortement acides ou hypersalins – sont autant de modèles pour étudier la plasticité physiologique et génétique fongique. Leur étude éclaire les limites de la vie eucaryote et fournit des perspectives de recherche sur l’adaptation des champignons pathogènes aux nouvelles pressions environnementales.

Cette session thématique abordera tout à la fois

• Les mécanismes cellulaires et moléculaires sous-jacents aux différentes formes de tolérances (thermotolérance, halorésistance…)
• Les capacités de plasticité génétique et écologique des agents fongiques
• L’émergence potentielle de pathogènes fongiques dans un contexte de réchauffement global
• Les modèles extrêmophiles et l’évolution rapide des populations fongiques
• Les implications pour la santé humaine et animale, la sécurité alimentaire et la surveillance environnementale

SP6 - Jeunes microbiologistes

"Microbiocène" : vers une microbiologie durable à l'ère de l'anthropocène

L'anthropocène correspond à l'époque géologique actuelle, où les activités humaines représentent la principale force de changement sur Terre. Dans le cadre de la microbiologie, autant fondamentale que clinique, nos activités ont également un impact sur l'environnement. Comprendre l'origine de ces impacts, sur nos émissions de carbone notamment dues à l'utilisation croissante de l'IA, mais aussi sur l'antibiorésistance, est fondamental pour identifier des leviers d'action.