Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious diseases
Experimental hepatology
Our research group aims to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern tumor growth and spread within the liver. This organ is prone to primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) and metastasis of cancers such as colorectal, pancreatic, lung, and breast, often leading to poor outcomes due to late diagnosis and ineffective treatments. Our goal is to develop new immunotherapeutic strategies that target specific cellular compartments using type I interferon molecules and adoptive T cell therapies. We focus on engineering T cells to redirect them to tumor antigens carrying either T cell receptors (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptors (Car-T cells) with genetic modifications that enhance survival and functionality in the liver tumor microenvironment.
Research activity
We take advantage of the following:
- Mouse models of primary liver cancer and metastatic liver cancers of colorectal, pancreatic, lung, and breast origin.
- Protocols for the transduction and expansion of tumor-specific T cells.
- Advanced live imaging technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and in-vivo optical imaging, to develop and refine new preventive and therapeutic approaches.
- Mouse models to study liver regeneration through acetaminophen intoxication and 70% partial hepatectomy.
- Retrospective and prospective cohorts of patients affected by these diseases.
By leveraging these advanced techniques and models, we aim to create more effective treatments for liver cancer and metastasis.
