Immunology
Team TDA
Tracing Immune Cell Dysfunction in Autoimmunity and Neuroinflammation
Cell metabolism guides immune cell activation towards proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory reactions, depending on the cues from the microenvironment. In autoimmune diseases, as well as in neuroinflammation, immune cells display metabolic changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress signatures resembling cellular senescence.
The main objective of team TDA was to understand global mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial function among cells and organs in health versus disease. In particular, the team focused on extracellular vesicles as carriers of mitochondrial components released from dysfunctional cells that could lead to alteration of the metabolic state and senescence of recipient immune cells. We developed in vitro cell-based assays that combined proteomics and single-cell transcriptomics with gene-editing techniques to identify and validate robust molecular signatures during disease development.
Team TDA’s final goal was to improve patient outcomes by identifying new targets and novel therapeutic approaches for restoring immune homeostasis in autoimmune diseases and in neuroinflammation.
