Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases
Immune Cell Migration and Regionalization
At the De Giovanni Lab, the team's expertise converges at the nexus of molecular biology, intravital imaging, and immunology. Their research focuses on deciphering the intricate roles of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), integrins and other molecular factors that orchestrate immune cell migration and regionalization, with a focus on mucosal and tumor-associated immune cells.
Research activity
Utilizing cutting edge methodologies such as spectral flow cytometry, spatial transcriptomics, spatial phenotyping, scRNA-seq, photoactivation and two-photon intravital imaging, the lab investigates immune cell dynamics and regionalization in both health and disease states, including in the context of infections, metabolic disorders and cancer. Their investigations are aimed at enriching our comprehension of immune mechanisms in different niches, such as the mucosal sites and solid tumors, potentially unlocking novel therapeutic avenues. Indeed, a primary objective of the lab is to pave the way for 'regionalized medicine', a groundbreaking concept centered on region-specific drug or vaccine delivery strategies within organs, thereby maximizing treatment benefits and reducing systemic side effects. Finally, the De Giovanni lab aims to develop new techniques to allow a broader capacity to study molecular pathways involved in immune cell recruitment to tumors.
