Matarese Lab

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Research Focus

Decoding immune-metabolic networks to understand inflammation and disease.

Scientific Overview

The Matarese Lab investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating immune responses, with a particular focus on the intersection between metabolism and inflammation. Our research aims to elucidate how metabolic pathways shape immune cell differentiation, function and dysfunction in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. By integrating immunology, molecular biology and translational research, we seek to identify novel therapeutic targets and clinically relevant biomarkers.

Immune Metabolism

We study how nutrient sensing pathways and metabolic reprogramming influence T cell differentiation and immune tolerance.

Key questions:

  • How do metabolic signals regulate immune activation?

  • How does metabolic dysfunction contribute to autoimmunity?

Inflammation & Autoimmune Disorders

We investigate the molecular drivers of chronic inflammation and the mechanisms that break immune tolerance.

Focus areas include:

  • T cell plasticity

  • Cytokine signaling

  • Immunometabolic dysregulation

Translational Immunology

Our goal is to translate fundamental discoveries into therapeutic strategies.

We collaborate with clinical partners to:

  • Identify biomarkers

  • Develop targeted interventions

  • Evaluate metabolic modulators

Experimental Platforms

Our research combines:

Flow Cytometry & Immune Phenotyping

High-dimensional flow cytometry enables detailed characterization of immune cell subsets, activation states and functional profiles. This platform allows precise quantification of immune heterogeneity and identification of disease-associated phenotypes in experimental and clinical settings.

Transcriptomic & Metabolic Profiling

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolic analyses uncover gene expression programs and bioenergetic pathways shaping immune cell function. These approaches provide systems-level insight into immunometabolic regulation in physiological and pathological contexts.

In Vitro Cellular Models

Controlled in vitro systems are used to dissect molecular mechanisms regulating immune activation, differentiation and tolerance. These models allow functional interrogation of signaling pathways under defined metabolic and inflammatory conditions.

Preclinical Disease Models

Preclinical models enable investigation of immune-metabolic interactions in vivo, providing mechanistic understanding of inflammation and autoimmunity. These systems support translational validation of therapeutic targets and pathway modulation.

Key international collaborations:

Prof. Antonio La Cava, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
Prof. Tamas Horvath, Yale University, New Haven, USA
Prof. Christos Mantzoros, Harvard University, Boston, USA
Dr. Egle Solito, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), London, UK