Researchers in the Giannarelli Lab use single-cell technologies such as time-of-flight mass cytometry (CyTOF) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to study immune cells in blood and atherosclerotic tissue of patients.

Our goal is to identify immune regulatory networks and signaling pathways relevant to human atherosclerosis to improve data-driven selection of suitable molecular targets for novel anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory therapies in cardiovascular disease. Using sophisticated single-cell technologies such as CyTOF, we tailor and monitor individualized therapies directly in inflammatory cells of patients—a prerequisite for precision medicine.

Noninvasive imaging modalities including ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT and MRI are also used for preclinical validation in small and large animal models of atherosclerosis.

Our areas of interest include the following:

• local inflammation in atherosclerosis
• T-cell plasticity in vascular disease
• immune profiling for precision medicine