Cristiana Cairo

Cristiana Cairo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and holds a secondary appointment in Medicine. She is affiliated with the Institute of Human Virology (IHV) as an Assistant Professor in its Division of Basic Science. Her research focuses on innate immune responses to pathogens in neonates and adults, particularly human γδ T cells, and their roles in malaria and HIV. She leads an NIH-funded study in Malawi examining prenatal pathogen exposure effects on neonatal immunity.

Education:

• PhD in Immunology, University of Rome Tor Vergata (2005)
• Master's in Biological Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata (2000)

Research Interests: Dr. Cairo investigates γδ T cells (Vγ9Vδ2 subsets) in neonatal immunity, fetal-maternal interface dynamics, and the impact of prenatal exposure to pathogens like P. falciparum and HIV. She also explores cancer immunotherapy applications of γδ T cells and their antigen-driven repertoire evolution.

Grants & Projects:

• NIH-funded study in Malawi on prenatal P. falciparum exposure effects

Labs & Teams: Her lab employs cellular immunology, molecular biology, and epigenetic approaches to study immune responses and developmental immunology.