Dr Federica Marelli-Berg

T Cell Motility

The regulation of memory T lymphocyte trafficking is the main focus of my research. We have established unique in vivo models of T lymphocyte trafficking to analyse the physiological relevance of the observations made in vitro in the human system. Our major contributions have been in the field of antigen-dependent recruitment, which allows selective recruitment of primed T cells to localise antigenic sites, and have unveiled key molecular mechanisms of this effect, which can be targeted pharmacologically. Some of these findings have been patented through IC Innovations.

The long-term plan of my research is to provide translational bridges between T cell homing mechanisms and therapy of chronic human immune-mediated diseases, including transplantation and autoimmunity.

In addition, based on preliminary observations we are testing innovative vaccination strategies (organ-specific vaccination) aimed to achieve organ-selective memory T cell trafficking and amplifying the potential of adaptive T cell memory in HIV infection and gut infestations, which is highly relevant to worldwide infectious diseases. We are currently developing these studies with an aim to provide a solid basis for imminent translational outcome.

The clinical specialty relevant to: Transplantation (heart and kidney), autoimmunity (gut), vaccination (particularly HIV and gut parasites).

Contact Details
f.marelli@imperial.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 8383 1704