Charneau's research led to the discovery and characterization of the central DNA flap structure within the HIV genome and its key function in nuclear import of the lentivirus/HIV genome in non-dividing cells. This discovery enabled the development of lentiviral vectors that can infect non-dividing cells, contrary to other types of retroviral gene transfer vectors, which can only target dividing cells. Since 2000, Charneau has led his own research group at the Pasteur Institute focusing on molecular virology and vectorology. His research has specialized in lentiviral vectors medicinal applications and his publications and patents have led to extensive developments in gene therapy, as well as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations in infectious diseases and oncology.
