Infectious diseases

Application studies in this field include multidisciplinary research dedicated to understanding and preventing infectious diseases through innovative approaches. Projects focus on the structural and functional analysis of key bacterial regulators, such as HP1043 in Helicobacter pylori, to identify novel targets for antibacterial drug development. Our researchers explore the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced endothelial cell dysfunction and investigate therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects. In the realm of regenerative medicine, we assess mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretome therapies for lung fibrosis and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency-related lung disorders. Advanced human 3D cardiac models are utilized to examine epigenetic changes in heart tissue during SARS-CoV-2 infection, while multifocal bioengineered systems reveal dynamic remodeling processes. In parallel, CNR‑ITB contributes to large‑scale epidemiological studies, supporting national surveillance efforts such as COVID‑19 population investigations, and integrates multi‑omics and bioinformatics approaches to analyze complex datasets. Additional activities address the role of host microbiota, such as nasal microbial communities, in modulating susceptibility and response to respiratory infections, also considering environmental factors like air pollution. Overall, CNR‑ITB adopts a multidisciplinary and translational approach to infectious diseases, bridging basic research, technological innovation, and clinical relevance.