We are interested in the structural and physical principles that govern assembly and stabilization of complex viruses. As a model system we use adenovirus, a challenging specimen of interest both in basic virology and nanobiomedicine, as well as other structurally related viruses. We approach the problem from an interdisciplinary point of view, combining Biophysics, Computational, Structural and Molecular Biology techniques. Sharing expertise and resources is a key pillar in our work.

Middle size Structural Biology group studying cell surface molecules that regulate the immune system and mediate virus entry into host cells. We investigate protein families linked to immune disorders such as allergic inflammation and asthma. We analyze receptor-ligand interactions related to immune processes, as well as virus binding to cells. In addition, we characterize virus neutralization by humoral immune responses and its correlation with virus entry into cells.

Activation, proliferation and apoptosis are basic mechanisms for regulation of activated/memory T cell expansion, known as homeostasis. Our research is focused on the identification of differences in the control of expansion between autoimmune and normal memory T cells. The unique characteristics of autoimmune memory T cells might be of therapeutic relevance for autoimmunity treatment.

Identification and characterization of signaling pathways and molecules that regulate the inflammatory response, with a particular focus in solid tumors. To this end, we will use animal models deficient in specific inflammatory mediators as well as genomic, proteomic and metabolomic analyses to characterize the activation, differentiation and migratory capacity of immune cell subpopulations. We will also analyze how inflammation in the tumor milieu impacts on other stromal components, particularly the endothelium.