Our Infection Dynamics Unit proposes a research vision that aims to revolutionize the way we treat infections caused by intracellular pathogens, with the aim of finding a universal therapy for infectious diseases that also counteracts the development of drug resistance.
Our particular interest is the eradication of human tuberculosis, but the ultimate goal is to create a universal delivery system that recognizes any infected cell. To do this, we will first examine the molecular “bar codes” of infected cells, i.e. those specific membrane proteins that cells express at the time of infection. This information is essential to then engineer a repertoire of super-selective polymeric nanoparticles, known as Polymersomes, functionalized with selective ligands capable of recognizing, binding and attacking only infected cells, leaving uninfected cells completely intact.
Bacteriophage-derived endolysins, enzymes that target and degrade the bacterial cell wall by hydrolyzing the peptidoglycan layer are leading candidate for treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.
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Cellular senescence impairs immune responses promoting chronic inflammation, and pathogen survival. Our research explores how infection-induced senescence can be exploited for new antimicrobial therapeutic strategies.
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Mycobacteria are able to evade and hijack immune defenses persisting within macrophages and leading to chronic infections. Our research aims to identify new strategies to enhance pathogen clearance and improve...
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Cell-derived nanoparticles include a diverse array of nanoscale structures originating from various cell types (cell ghosts, exosomes, lipid-based and peptidic nanoparticles), each exhibiting unique properties.
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We investigate how infections alter the extracellular matrix (ECM). Focusing on lung infections caused by mycobacteria and conditions like tissue fibrosis, we integrate tissue engineering, biomaterials, and infection dynamics to...
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