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 is to understand global mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial function among cells and organs in health versus disease. In particular, the team is 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 are developing in vitro cell-based assays that combine proteomics and single-cell transcriptomics with gene-editing techniques to identify and validate robust molecular signatures during disease development.

Team TDA’s final goal is to improve patient outcomes by identifying new targets and novel therapeutic approaches for restoring immune homeostasis in autoimmune diseases and in neuroinflammation.