History of the Laboratory
The research group on human parasitic diseases – initially malaria and then also leishmaniasis – was created in the early 90s, when the Institute of Microbiology moved to the current location in Via Pascal and the Immunologist Prof. Donatella Taramelli joined the University of Milan.
The collaboration with the Microbiologist and Parasitologist Prof. Mario Ghione paved the way for the first research projects on the innate immune response to the malarial parasite and its products.
Over the years, the laboratory has gained know-how on in vitro culture of parasites, namely those causing malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, and various species of Leishmania, in the various developmental stages. Specific drug sensitivity assays were developed to investigate new drugs and to study their mechanism of action. In a short time, the laboratory became a reference centre in Italy and Europe, initiating several collaborations in African countries where these parasitosis are endemic. Despite manifesting millions of cases annually, malaria and leishmaniasis are considered “neglected poverty-related” tropical diseases, due to the lack of interest and funding which is however allocated to “wellness” diseases worldwide.
As a laboratory, not only do we strive to identify new therapeutic and diagnostic tools, but also educate and train researchers from endemic regions, and to enable “bottom-up” growth of adequate scientific knowledge and skills.
The research of the virology group owes its existence to Professor Pasquale Ferrante whose scientific activity – right from the start – aimed at the study of human pathogenic microorganisms, with particular focus on viruses and on the development and application of innovative methods for diagnosis, monitoring and study of the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of human viral diseases.
As the Professor often points out, “human and animal viruses are tiny infectious agents that are invisible even under the microscope”. However, despite being minute, viruses have a great capacity of evolution considering that, just like it happens with computer viruses, there is a very high frequency of virus generation. Drawing poor attention to the natural balance of our planet will continue to be a major risk factor for the spread of new infections and viral diseases, as experienced by the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus.