Paola Vacca

Senior researcher - Head of Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù
  • Italy

About Paola Vacca

I am an immunologist passionate about understanding how the innate immune system can be harnessed to fight cancer. My research focuses on Natural Killer (NK) cells and innate lymphoid cells, with the goal of developing innovative cell-based immunotherapies capable of overcoming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

I currently lead the Innate Immunity Lymphoid Cells Unit at IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù in Rome, where my team combines immunology, genetic engineering and translational research to develop next-generation NK cell therapies for pediatric and adult cancers. My work is supported by the AIRC Investigator Grant, and our recent studies have led to the development of multifunctional engineered NK cells designed to target multiple mechanisms of tumor immune escape simultaneously.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding scientists and clinicians in Italy and abroad, an experience that has strengthened my belief that innovation comes from multidisciplinary teamwork and the exchange of ideas. I enjoy mentoring young researchers, building scientific collaborations, and translating discoveries from the laboratory into therapies that may ultimately improve patients' lives.

I have authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and remain deeply motivated by one simple goal: turning advances in basic immunology into effective treatments for patients with cancer.

Popular Content

Topics

Channels contributed to:

Behind the Paper