What we do

Our research focuses on parasitic and tick-borne diseases that pose a threat to both human and animal health. We investigate the biology of pathogens as well as host immune responses to better understand the mechanisms of infection and to develop innovative approaches for disease diagnosis, prevention, and vaccination.

Our main research areas include:

• Zoonotic diseases transmitted by parasites and vectors (e.g. ticks and mosquitoes).
• Host–pathogen interactions, with a particular focus on the mechanisms by which pathogens modulate the host immune response.
• Immune mechanisms involved in infection, including the roles of macrophages, dendritic cells, lymphocytes, chemokines, and cytokines.
• Identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers for infectious diseases.
• Development of innovative vaccination strategies, including multivalent and DNA-based vaccines.
• Molecular and immunological studies of pathogens and their antigens.

Our ultimate goal is to advance the understanding of infectious disease mechanisms and to develop new tools for their diagnosis, prevention, and control, thereby contributing to improved human and animal health.