Francesco Strati

Dr. Francesco Strati is an Assistant Professor in General Pathology at the Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca. His research focuses on host-microbe interactions and the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution and adaptation of the human gut microbiota in health and disease.

Dr. Strati's primary research interests include:

• Gut microbiome
• Mucosal immunology
• Metagenomics
• Host-microbe immune crosstalk
• iNKT cell biology

Employing an interdisciplinary approach that combines meta'omics, immunology, in vivo models, and computational biology, Dr. Strati investigates how the gut microbiome shapes immune cell functions. His research has demonstrated the critical role of the gut microbiome in modulating iNKT cell functionality, revealing an IL-10-mediated immunoregulatory mechanism where mucosal iNKT cells control pro-inflammatory T-helper cells to maintain intestinal immune homeostasis. His current work extends these findings to explore the pathogenic potential of iNKT cells in colorectal cancer.

Dr. Strati's publication record shows consistent contributions to high-impact journals in microbiome research, with a focus on the relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammatory conditions. His work spans fundamental mechanisms of host-microbe interactions to potential clinical applications for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Dr. Strati maintains active research collaborations with:

• Prof. Giandomenica Iezzi, Department of Surgery, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Università Svizzera italiana (USI)
• Prof. Antonio Calabrò, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence
• Prof. Flavio Caprioli, Department of Medical-Surgical Pathophysiology and Transplants, University of Milan
• Prof. Yvan Torrente, Department of Medical-Surgical Pathophysiology and Transplants, University of Milan

Leading the #StratiLab_BtBs, Dr. Strati's research program aims to translate fundamental discoveries about host-microbe interactions into potential therapeutic approaches for currently unmet medical needs in gastrointestinal and immune-mediated disorders.