Ilaria Cossu | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Ms. Ilaria Cossu | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Research Excellence Award

University of Sassari | Italy

Ilaria Cossu is a motivated PhD candidate in Life Sciences and Biotechnologies with a specialization in Microbiology and Immunology. Their work focuses on understanding the role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in cancer, integrating molecular biology, immunology, and virology approaches to explore how retroviral elements may influence tumorigenesis. Their doctoral project involves conducting indirect ELISA assays, maintaining and analyzing cell cultures, processing blood samples, performing RNA extraction and reverse transcription, and carrying out quantitative PCR for gene expression profiling. The researcher is actively engaged in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and collaborative research activities at both national and international levels.

Prior academic training includes Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Biology, each completed with top distinction, and research internships in microbiology, virology, and biochemistry laboratories. These experiences provided hands-on expertise in electrophoretic methods such as cellulose acetate electrophoresis, C-PAGE, fluorescent 2-aminoacridone probe (FACE) analysis, and SDS-PAGE, contributing to a solid foundation in protein and nucleic acid characterization. Their current research aims to advance understanding of retroviral contributions to cancer biology and supports the development of innovative molecular approaches for disease investigation and potential therapeutic insights.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Cossu, I., Ruberto, S., Filippi, E., Simula, E. R., Noli, M., Mottula, A., & others. (2025). HERV-K envelope induces a humoral response in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. Current Microbiology, 82(12), 574.

Jasemi, S., Molicotti, P., Fais, M., Cossu, I., Simula, E. R., Sechi, L. A., & others. (2025). Biological mechanisms of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis toxin: Linking inflammation, colorectal cancer, and clinical implications. Toxins, 17(6), 305.

Simula, E. R., Jasemi, S., Cossu, D., Fais, M., Cossu, I., Chessa, V., & others. (2025). Human endogenous retroviruses as novel therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disorders. Vaccines, 13(4), 415. h

Ruberto, S., Santovito, A., Caviglia, G. P., Noli, M., Cossu, D., Ribaldone, D. G., & others. (2025). Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and human endogenous retrovirus in Italian patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Immunology.

Kimberly Gilmour | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Kimberly Gilmour | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Great Ormond Street Hospital | United Kingdom

Kimberly Coughlan Gilmour is a leading expert in immunology, molecular diagnostics, and cell-based therapeutic development. Her early academic work contributed foundational insights into cytokine signaling, particularly the regulation of the Interferon Regulatory Factor-1 (IRF-1) gene and the signal transduction pathways activated by prolactin and interleukin-2. During her postdoctoral research, she investigated mechanisms governing thymocyte proliferation and differentiation using retroviral manipulation of murine thymic organ cultures, advancing understanding of T-cell development.

Gilmour has played a pivotal role in the evolution of clinical immunology diagnostics, leading the development of national services for the molecular diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency disorders. She has been instrumental in translating complex research methodologies—including gene expression analysis, retroviral and lentiviral transduction, and thymus tissue culture—into routine clinical tools that directly inform patient management. Her work supports post-treatment monitoring for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, and targeted antibody-based interventions.

As a leader in cell therapy, she has overseen the implementation of advanced cellular manufacturing processes and supervised the clinical authorization of personalized therapeutic products. Her career integrates immunogenetics, translational science, and cellular therapy innovation, significantly shaping clinical practice for paediatric patients with rare and complex immune disorders.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

  • Maimaris, J., Roa-Bautista, A., Sohail, M., et al. (2025). Griscelli Syndrome Type 2: Comprehensive analysis of 149 new and previously described patients with RAB27A deficiency. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 45(50).

  • Author(s) Unknown. (2025). Safety and diagnostic utility of brain biopsy and metagenomics in decision-making for patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and unexplained neurological manifestations. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 45, 86.

  • Booth, C., Masiuk, K., Vazouras, K., Fernandes, A., Xu-Bayford, J., Campo Fernandez, B., Roy, S., Curio-Penny, B., Arnold, J., Terrazas, D., Reid, J., Gilmour, K. C., Adams, S., Mediavilla, E. A., Mhaldien, L., O’Toole, G., Ahmed, R., Garabedian, E., Malech, H., De Ravin, S. S., Moore, T. B., De Oliveira, S., Pellin, D., Lin, T.-Y., Dang, T. T., Cornetta, K., Hershfield, M. S., Hara, H., Thrasher, A. J., Gaspar, H. B., & Kohn, D. B. (2025). Long-term safety and efficacy of gene therapy for adenosine deaminase deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 393(15), 1486–1497.

  • Guardo, D., Mishra, A. K., Rashed, H., Gilmour, K. C., Adams, S., Pinner, D., Sauer, M., Vora, A., Veys, P., Pavasovic, V., Rao, K., & Qasim, W. (2025). Long-term outcomes of genome-edited “universal” CAR19 T cells for relapsed/refractory B-ALL at a single pediatric center. Blood Advances, 9(18), 4750–4754.