Priscilla Turelli

Priscilla Turelli is a Lecturer at EPFL's EDMS (Doctoral School of Life Sciences) and a Senior Scientist in the Federal School of Life Sciences. Her primary affiliation is with the Laboratory of Virology and Structural Immunology under the SV-IN unit, and she also collaborates with the Antanasijevic Group. She holds positions in both research and teaching roles, including faculty representation for P3-related scientific activities.

Education:

• PhD in Cellular Biology (1997) - Université de la Méditerranée
• Master in Cellular Biology (1992) - Université de la Méditerranée
• Scientific Baccalaureate (1987) - France

Research Focus: Her work spans virology, immunology, and epigenetics with a focus on:
- KRAB zinc finger proteins' role in cancer and gene regulation
- SARS-CoV-2 antibody development and viral mechanisms
- Transposable elements' impact on human development and disease

Key Research Trends in Publications: Recent work emphasizes structural virology (e.g., ACE2/SARS-CoV-2 interactions), epigenetic control via KRAB-ZFPs, and translational research in antiviral therapeutics. Her lab pioneered the discovery of KRAB-ZFPs' dual role in tumor suppression and immune defense mechanisms.

Awards:

• 2023: Innosuisse Business Concept Training
• 2004: Bristol-Myers Squibb AIDS Award
• 1997-1999: Human Frontier Science Program Fellowship

Grants & Teams: Leads interdisciplinary projects at EPFL's SV-IN lab and collaborates with industry partners (e.g., Innosuisse). Current projects include:
- Development of broad-spectrum SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
- KRAB-ZFP-driven cancer immunotherapies
- Machine learning applications in protein design

Labs/Teams: Core member of the Antanasijevic Lab (UPANTANASIJEVIC unit), coordinating multidisciplinary teams in structural immunology and viral pathogenesis.