Full Porfessor of Histology, DIMES-University of Genoa, Italy
Marcenaro E. is a distinguished researcher and educator at the Department of Experimental Medicine at the University of Genoa, Italy. She leads a prominent group in the laboratory of Molecular Immunology, where her scientific focus centers on human natural killer (NK) cells, a critical immune subset for combating cancer. Her research examines the effects of age on NK cell immune checkpoints, particularly their role in tumor immunity across various age groups. Over the years, Prof. Marcenaro has significantly advanced our understanding of NK cell-tumor interactions, contributing to the development of targeted therapies. Notably, her discoveries on inhibitory and activating NK receptors have paved the way for clinical trials and treatments currently used in clinical practice.
Profile
Scopus
Education 🎓
Prof. Marcenaro’s academic journey began at the University of Genoa, where she earned her Master’s degree in Biology in 1997, graduating summa cum laude. She further pursued her studies and completed a Specialization in Clinical Pathology in 2002, also achieving the highest distinction of summa cum laude. Over the years, she has demonstrated profound expertise in cellular and molecular immunology, as well as oncoimmunology, culminating in a highly successful career as an educator and researcher.
Experience 💼
With over two decades of teaching and research experience, Prof. Marcenaro has held several significant roles. She is currently a Full Professor at the University of Genoa in the field of Cytology, Histology, Embryology, and Immunology. Additionally, she serves as a member of key committees, including the Technology Transfer Commission and the Strategic Center SRV, where she works on projects related to risk, safety, and security studies. From 2018 to 2022, she was an Associate Professor at the same institution, during which she was also a member of the Executive Committee of the Medical School and contributed greatly to the overall management of the department. Her dedication to academic development and collaboration has earned her the respect of peers and students alike.
Research Interests 🔬
Prof. Marcenaro’s research interests focus on NK cells and their role in immune surveillance against tumors. Her work spans various areas of immunology, including the mechanisms of tumor escape, NK cell recruitment to tumor sites, and immune checkpoint regulation. Her lab has also pioneered investigations into NK cell dysfunction in chronic diseases and cancer, particularly focusing on how cytokine regulation and NK cell receptors influence cancer progression and immune responses. These insights have implications for immunotherapy, a field in which Prof. Marcenaro is an active contributor, seeking to improve treatment outcomes through targeted immunological interventions.
Publication Top Note 📚
“Identification of a novel cord blood NK cell subpopulation expressing functional programmed death receptor-1” (Front Immunol, 2023)
“NKG2A and HLA-E define an alternative immune checkpoint axis in bladder cancer” (Cancer Cell, 2022)
“Post-Transplant Nivolumab Plus Unselected Autologous Lymphocytes in Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma” (Front Immunol, 2021)
“Untimely TGFB responses in COVID-19 limit antiviral functions of NK cells” (Nature, 2021)
“Different Features of Tumor-Associated NK Cells in Patients With Peritoneal Carcinomatosis” (Front Immunol, 2020)
Her work has been cited extensively, with a H-index of 57 and over 10,984 citations (Scopus), underlining the global influence of her research.
Conclusion 🌟
Prof. Marcenaro’s career is a testament to her dedication to scientific excellence, collaboration, and education. Through her research on NK cells and immune checkpoints, she continues to make groundbreaking contributions to cancer immunotherapy. Her work not only enhances our understanding of immune responses in cancer but also shapes future therapeutic strategies, particularly in immunotherapy. Her leadership at the University of Genoa, along with her ongoing commitment to advancing the field of immunology, solidifies her reputation as a leading figure in biomedical research.