Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious diseases

Immunopathology

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Group leader

Luca Guidotti

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The Immunopathology Unit's research endeavors are multifaceted and collaborative. Firstly, in partnership with the laboratories of Matteo Iannacone, Mirela Kuka, Donato Inverso, and Marco De Giovanni, the Unit delves deep into the intricate landscape of immunopathological responses occurring within the liver and lung. This collaborative effort is driven by a shared dedication to unraveling the complexities of infections caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) or SARS-COV-2, with a view to advancing our understanding of these diseases.

Secondly, in collaboration with Romano Di Fabio and Matteo Iannacone, the Unit leads the charge in pioneering the development of innovative antiviral therapies. This collaborative synergy aims to harness the collective expertise of these renowned researchers to drive forward the development of novel treatments targeting chronic hepatitis B and COVID-19. Through these collaborative endeavors, the Immunopathology Unit is at the forefront of advancing both our understanding of immunopathology and the development of groundbreaking antiviral interventions.

Research activity

Harnessing unique access to infected patients, proprietary animal models of HBV or SARS-COV-2 infection, and cutting-edge technological platforms, the Immunopathology Unit continues its pursuit of unraveling unresolved questions regarding the behavior of innate and adaptive immune cells within virus-infected organs such as the liver or lung. These investigations shed crucial light on the mechanisms underlying immune cell trafficking and function.

While the Unit's research efforts encompass a broad spectrum, current endeavors are primarily directed towards pioneering the development of small molecule compounds aimed at disrupting the entry and replication mechanisms of HBV and SARS-COV-2 viruses. This groundbreaking work lays the groundwork for innovative antiviral interventions, marking a significant stride towards combatting these viral infections. Remarkably, these research programs have already yielded seven international patents in recent years, underscoring the Unit's commitment to innovation. Notably, two of these patents have been acquired by an American company for further advancement in clinical development, solidifying the Unit's position as a leader in medical research and commercialization.

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