Roberto Paganelli

Paganelli's immunology research has provided insights into the immune system's intricacies and its role in health and disease. Centered on immune complex formation in patients with allergies and parasitic infections,[5][6][7] his work demonstrated diverse immune responses to food proteins based on factors like age, health status, and allergies[8] and devised a two-step technique to detect specific antigens in serum sample immune complexes.[9] His research into the involvement of immune complexes in atopic dermatitis (AD)[10] revealed that while immune system imbalances are present in AD, these disparities might be consequential rather than the fundamental cause of the condition.[11] Furthermore, his investigation into the impacts of prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields (ELMFs) from radio and television broadcasting stations on women's immune systems revealed diminished levels of diverse immune cell types, coupled with reduced production of crucial immune-regulating molecules.[12] In collaborative research with several groups, he explored the impact of various metallic compounds on peripheral blood mononuclear cells, revealing that the cytotoxicity of these compounds is contingent upon their chemical speciation.[13]

Paganelli's research has also focused on clinical immunology, notably examining the enduring effects of thymectomy on myasthenia gravis[14] patients and assessing the allergenic properties of specific consumables like goat milk for certain groups - especially children.[15] Most studies were done in Rome, while in Fernando Aiuti's Lab, and collaborations with local groups and scientists across Europe, where he organized the first meeting of the future European Society of Immunodeficiencies, and was on the steering Committee of the European Registry for Primary Immunodeficiencies. Focusing his research efforts on genetic factors in immunodeficiency, his 2005 study linked positive family history to a higher risk for immunoglobulin A deficiency and common variable immunodeficiency.[16] Furthermore, his analysis of patients with ataxia-telangiectasia revealed a range of immune system abnormalities including deficiencies in specific helper T-cell subpopulations, intrinsic B-cell defects, modified suppressor T-cell activity, and impaired immunoglobulin production.[17]

Paganelli's research has explored the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory responses. In collaboration with GA Rabinovich, he investigated the extracellular and intracellular functions of galectins and provided insights into mechanisms for controlling cellular processes such as proliferation, signal transduction, and cell death.[18] His 2009 study on tendinopathy pathogenesis highlighted the collaborative relationship between inflammation and degeneration and proposed that overuse-induced micro-tears in tendon fibers lead to a dynamic interplay of healing processes, inflammation, neovascularization, and nerve growth.[19] Focusing on the correlation between aging, obesity, and inflammatory age-related ailments, his work examined how immune cells penetrate adipose tissue in cases of obesity, triggering inflammation and shifts in metabolism.[20] Furthermore, his research contributed to the understanding pertaining to the immune response directed against the cow's milk antigen beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) within individuals affected by inflammatory bowel disease[21] and explored the correlation between food antigens, inflammation, and rheumatoid arthritis.[22] In his investigation of age-related decline in nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in the peripheral nervous system, his study found an association between reduced NCV, elevated inflammatory markers, and low Vitamin E levels, indicating that inflammation and oxidative stress might expedite the deterioration of peripheral nervous system function during aging.[23] More recently in 2021, he assessed the impact of a 3-month diet excluding meat, gluten, and lactose on patients with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis, revealing reduced circulating leukocytes and neutrophils, along with lowered hs-CRP levels, indicating improved inflammation control.[24] His more recent studies highlight the usefulness of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratios in assessing the resilience of the immune system in diseases and ageing.[25]

Paganelli's immunosenescence research has contributed to the identification and characterization of various cytokines, their signaling pathways, and their release patterns.[26][27] His collaborative work with Claudio Franceschi, Fagiolo and others revealed that both young and aged individuals maintain the ability of peripheral mononuclear cells to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta) when stimulated, potentially impacting age-related pathological processes.[28][29] In his evaluation of cytokine and chemokine expression in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients using various biological specimens, his study established a correlation between certain cytokines and organ involvement, indicating that IL-6, IL-10, MDC, and MCP-1 exhibited varying associations with internal organ involvement.[30] While investigating the immune profiles of healthy centenarians, he revealed altered T cell clone patterns in comparison to younger individuals, including a decreased prevalence of the Th1 pattern in CD4+ T cells,[31] and also highlighted the complex cytokine environment changes accompanying the aging process.[32] In his assessment of factors impacting Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) serum levels within a sizable and diverse population, he determined that these levels correlated with congestive heart failure, angina, serum Ca2+ levels, and a history of dyslipidemia.[33] His 2019 study focused on the serological cytokine profile in cutaneous melanoma, underscoring the viable employment of these agents as indicators for tracking disease advancement and gauging therapeutic efficacy.[34] His work in 2023 examined the immune alterations distinguishing different types of dementia and the role of responses to amyloid A-beta.[35]