Our research focuses on the mechanisms regulating the interaction between the immune system and tumor cells in human setting, through multiple platforms integrating cellular and molecular biology, relying on high resolution flow cytometry, transcriptional and epigenetic profiling, secretome and metabolome assessment, and new approaches of immunomodulation based on nanotechnologies.
Globally our research is finalized to:

• identify tools for the comprehensive assessment of local and systemic anti-tumor immunity at single patient level;
• discover new immune-related predictive or prognostic biomarkers to guide personalized treatment and optimize therapeutic choice;
• improve the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy by dissecting response and resistance mechanisms in patients with solid malignancies;
• define drugs to reprogram tumor immune microenvironment for potentiating the clinical benefit of cancer immunotherapeutics;
• dissect the impact of tumor mutational profiles, transcriptional programs and epigenetic regulation on tumor progression, metastatization and immunogenic features.

This research allows to gain insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer-related immune dysfunctions, delineate innovative approaches for overcoming immunosuppression and restore effective immunosurveillance in cancer patients. Specific attention is presently devoted to address the impact of “life style changes” on antitumor immunity and the immunomodulating effect of different dietary regimens or physical exercise programs. Further hallmark of the team is the commitment to translate key findings into clinical practise, by developing off-the-shelf assays and performing prospective validation studies through harmonized platforms, as well as by generating new targeted immunomodulating tools in Oncology.