Divisions
Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases
The immune system is a complex network of molecules, cells, and tissues that plays a crucial role in defending against external and internal threats, ensuring our overall health. Dysfunctions in this system can result in increased susceptibility to infections, the onset of inflammation, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer.
At the Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, our primary focus is on understanding the development and function of the immune system in both health and disease. We also investigate host-pathogen interactions and the mechanisms underlying antimicrobial drug resistance. Our comprehensive research aims to develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies tailored for precision medicine.
For administrative support, please contact Sara Cristiano: cristiano.sara@hsr.it
Organization
The Division harbors more than 170 scientists from basic and clinical areas, which work both on independent projects and integrated multidisciplinary programs focusing on specific pathological conditions.
The division contains also the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI).
A relevant activity of the Division is dedicated to the training of both basic and clinical immunologists who are enrolled in the International PhD Program in Molecular Medicine of San Raffaele University or in the International Postdoctoral Program of the San Raffaele Scientific Institute.
Research
Studies on fundamental mechanisms underlying the immune cell physiology are performed and compared with the alterations characterizing pathological processes, aiming at both elucidating the molecular bases of diseases and defining new therapeutic strategies.
The continuous interaction with the excellent clinical activities performed at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele prompts ideal connections among the basic and clinical research and allows the investigation of a wide range of pathological conditions such as cancer, infections, autoimmunity, allergy and organ transplantation.
Clinical collaborations
The Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases daily collaborates with the following research groups, affiliated with the clinical departments of the hospital:
AIRC 5x1000
Thanks to the funding provided by the AIRC 5x1000 program, many researchers of the Division are now involved in a 7 years research project aimed at the development of ATMP for liver metastasis ►click here to discover more
Matteo Iannacone
Group Leader
Dynamics of immune responses
Daniela Maria Cirillo
Group Leader
Emerging bacterial pathogens
Matteo Bellone
Group Leader
Cellular immunology
Chiara Bonini
Group Leader
Experimental hematology
Alessandra Bragonzi
Group Leader
Infections and cystic fibrosis
Giulia Casorati
Group Leader
Experimental immunology
Monica Casucci
Group Leader
Innovative immunotherapies
Massimo Degano
Group Leader
Biocrystallography
Marco De Giovanni
Group Leader
Immune Cell Migration and Regionalization
Paolo Dellabona
Group Leader
Experimental Immunology
Marika Falcone
Group Leader
Autoimmune pathogenesis
Luca Guidotti
Group Leader
Immunopathology
Donato Inverso
Group Leader
Vascular Pathobiology
Anna Mondino
Group Leader
Lymphocyte activation
Angelo Manfredi
Group Leader
Autoimmunity and vascular inflammation
Guido Poli
Group Leader
Human immuno-virology
Maria Pia Protti
Group Leader
Tumor immunology
Patrizia Rovere-Querini
Group Leader
Innate immunity and tissue remodeling
Gabriella Scarlatti
Group Leader
Viral evolution and transmission
Giovanni Sitia
Group Leader
Experimental hepatology
Federica Ungaro
Group Leader
Experimental Gastroenterology
Luca Vago
Group Leader
Immunogenetics, leukemia genomics and immunobiology
Elisa Vicenzi
Group Leader
Viral pathogens and biosafety
Mirela Kuka
Project Leader
Dynamics of immune responses
Nicola Ivan Lorè
Project Leader
Emerging bacterial pathogens
Paolo Miotto
Project Leader
Emerging bacterial pathogens
Eliana Ruggiero
Project Leader
Experimental hematology
Samuele E. Burastero
Research Associate
Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Allergology
Andrea Maurizio Cabibbe
Research Associate
Emerging bacterial pathogens
Mauro Malnati
Research Associate
Viral Evolution and Transmission
A study conducted by San Raffaele researchers on anti-tumor t-cells opens to new future therapeutic drugs for acute myeloid leukemia
A group of researchers of IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University has shown how it is possible to identify, monitor over time and characterize anti-tumor T-cells in patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia and how we could exploit inhibition mechanisms activated by tumor to evade recognition by our immune system.
A new clinical study at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan to test a therapeutic vaccine against HIV
The vaccine, tested on humans for the first time in Italy, is intended to lead an effective recognition of HIV virus and to an infection control.
Immunotherapy for liver metastasis from colorectal cancer
From San Raffaele, a new immunotherapeutic strategy to prevent liver metastasis from colorectal cancer
Boosting the immune system to fight blood tumors
A new immunotherapeutic approach to fight leukemia
Covid-19: discovered hidden immune weakness in gravely ill patients
New research reveals immune predispositions in patients with life-threatening Covid-19
Effective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Discovered a group of antibodies associated with reduced mortality in Covid-19 patients
Advanced single cell imaging and genomic technologies to fight SARS-CoV-2
A BSL-3 laboratory for animal models, equipped with cutting-edge in-vivo imaging and sequencing technologies, dedicated to study SARS-CoV-2
Gene therapy to defeat chronic Hepatitis B
An ERC Proof of Concept grant will explore gene therapy in chronic hepatitis B
Chronic Hepatitis B: a molecule to reactivate the immune system against the virus
The research unveiled a key mechanism behind the ineffective immune response and demonstrated the potential efficacy of a known molecule – a cytokine – to reactivate it
Gut bacteria alter multiple myeloma progression
The study is among the first to trace a direct link between intestinal microbiota and a tumor located in a different organ
Discovered how Acute Myeloid Leukemia escape immune recognition after BM transplantation
The study unveiled new survival strategies implemented by tumor cells as a result of transplantation and could have direct implications for the clinical treatment of AML relapses
Bioinformatician at the Center for Omics Sciences and Experimental immunology laboratory, led by Giulia Casorati
Fellowship at the Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, under the supervision of Dr. Nicola Lorè.
Postdoctoral fellow / Junior Researcher at the Experimental Hepatology Unit, headed by Giovanni Sitia
Bioinformatician, Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, headed by Daniela Cirillo
A bioinformatician position is available at Dynamics of Immune Response Lab, in collaboration with Center for Omics Sciences
A research associate/postdoctoral fellow position is available at Experimental Hepatology Unit, headeb by Giovanni Sitia
A technician position is available at the Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, headed by Daniela Cirillo
A techincian position is available at the Autoimmune pathogenesis Unit, headed by Marika Falcone