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Summary

Dr Cristiano Scottà is currently a Lecturer in Biosciences at Brunel University and a Visiting Lecturer at King’s College London. His scientific career centres on translating immunological processes into clinical applications. At King’s College London, he initiated studies on preclinical models of cellular therapy, focusing on regulatory T cells (Tregs) to modulate inflammation in transplantation and autoimmune diseases. He developed novel strategies to ex vivo manipulate human Tregs for immunotolerance in solid organ transplantation, resulting in functionally stable and effective cell products. These approaches, along with his studies on human Treg biology, influenced the first clinical trials of Treg adoptive transfer in transplantation (ONE Study, Thril). His contributions expanded to five more clinical trials, spanning transplantation, aplastic anaemia, and IBD, involving the training of GMP operators and the design of GMP-compatible cellular therapy techniques.

His research also explored approaches to improve the tissue localisation of therapeutic cell products. Cell trafficking to the gut was aided by studies on synthetic molecules targeting the retinoic acid pathway, leading to a clinical trial involving Treg adoptive transfer for Crohn’s disease. His studies also explored Treg interactions with other cell types. He investigated Tregs' role in reducing cholesterol accumulation in macrophages and stabilising atherosclerotic plaque, suggesting a positive impact in delaying atherosclerosis progression. Furthermore, he explored the genetic manipulation of human Tregs, designing CAR-Tregs to target allogeneic antigens and produce tolerogenic IL-10, with ongoing development of CAR molecules for therapeutic Tregs targeting either B cells or macrophages.

Qualifications

• PhD in Cellular and Developmental Biology, “Sapienza” University of Rome.
• School of Specialisation in Biotechnological Applications (3 years), “Sapienza” University of Rome.
• Professional Diploma in Biology.
• Biological Science Degree (BSc+MSc), “La Sapienza” University of Rome.

Responsibility

Principal Investigator at the Centre for Inflammation Research and Translational Medicine

Medical Immunology (BB3720) Module Block Lead