We study the innate immune response in respiratory lung diseases, both in chronic conditions such as cigarette smoke (CS)-associated lung diseases as well as in acute settings such as infections. Under homeostatic conditions, alveolar macrophages are the most abundant myeloid cells in the alveolar space and play a key role in orchestrating first line host defenses. Our research focuses on macrophage-associated immune responses. We are particularly interested in studying how inflammasomes, caspases, and regulated cell death participate to inflammatory reactions in health and disease. We are also investigating the impact of the pore-forming proteins gasdermins (GSDMs) on the surrounding inflammatory milieu. Growing evidence suggests that monitoring and fine-tuning cell death may provide a tool for assess chronic inflammation and develop new therapies.

A key asset of our lab is the availability and the continuous set-up of new experimental models using human primary cells that we isolate from buffy coats and lung resections. These experimental models are also used as a tool for the development and validation of innovative biosensors for oxidative stress and inflammation within a consolidated collaboration with the Engineering Department at the University of Palermo.

Our Lab is currently hosted by the National Research Council of Palermo  and hosts the Screening Lab of the Fondazione Ri.MED Drug Discovery Unit.

Team