Virology

Virologia e Microbiologia

Virologia e Microbiologia

Our laboratory focuses on understanding how innate immunity controls viral replication and shapes pathogenesis by influencing viral spread and tissue damage. We are particularly interested in elucidating the mechanisms that govern the induction, regulation and function of interferons (IFNs), the viral strategies employed to evade or subvert the IFN response, and how IFNs can drive protective or pathological inflammatory and cell immune responses that influence disease outcomes.

Virologia e Microbiologia

Virologia e Microbiologia

The early research conducted by Antonelli was focused on elucidating the in vivo and in vitro mechanisms regulating the production and activity of interferons during viral infections. His research group currently investigates the role of innate immunity, as well as the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and control of several viral infections, including HIV, HCV, major respiratory viruses (such as SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and influenza viruses), and HPV.

Interferon lambda4 polymorphism is not associated with human papillomavirus infection outcome

Interferon (IFN) lambdas are important specific components of the mucosal innate immune response. The IFN lambda 4 (IFNL4) dinucleotide polymorphism (ΔG/TT) determines the IFN lambdas and related Interferon-stimulated genes activation, in HCV and other chronic infections. Our group first reported that IFN Lambda response was impaired in high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) cervical infections and in precancerous lesions. Accordingly, we sought to evaluate the possible role of the IFNL4 polymorphism in determining HPV infection outcome.

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