Host-Pathogen Interaction

Pore-Forming Proteins (PFP), are macromolecules relevant to human health and constitute an arsenal of attack and defense weapons of key importance to host-pathogen interactions. They are also excellent model systems for understanding the fundamental aspects of protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions. Some possible biotechnological applications of PFP will be investigated by exploiting their ability to self-aggregate and form nanometric sized pores in cell membranes. We will investigate the membrane structure and effects induced by proteins involved in neurodegeneration and in immune response, since they showed similar behavior and structure to PFP.

Members:
Silvia Caponi
Mauro Dalla Serra (Principal investigator)
Marta Marchioretto
Carlo Musio
Gurav Sharma
Laura Tosatto