Lorenzo Bonaguro

Lorenzo Bonaguro is a Research Group Leader in Molecular and Translational Immunomics at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn and the University Clinic Bonn (UKB). His research integrates high-resolution, high-throughput technologies like single-cell RNA sequencing with advanced computational methods, including artificial intelligence, to unravel immune system function and dysfunction.

Dr. Bonaguro completed his Ph.D. in Molecular Biomedicine at the University of Bonn in 2020 with a dissertation on "Creld1 controls T cell homeostasis in mouse and human," earning summa cum laude distinction. His academic journey began with a B.S. and M.S. in Biotechnologies from the University of Padova, where he consistently graduated with highest honors.

His research focuses on understanding how environmental factors like diet and pollution impact immune system aging and response capabilities. By studying model systems such as tonsil organoids and developing innovative computational tools, his work aims to uncover molecular determinants of immune fitness and vaccination efficacy. His group applies a systems biology approach to develop precision medicine strategies that can tailor treatments to individual patients.

Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong emphasis on computational immunology and population-scale genomics. His work bridges experimental biology with advanced data science, with particular strength in developing analytical frameworks for complex immune datasets. The huva framework he developed represents a significant contribution to the field of population-scale gene expression analysis.

• 2023: Renate und Karlheinz Schmidt-Stiftung Award (Early Academic Award)
• 2020: Best publication award (Bonner Forum Biomedicine)
• 2018: Best poster award (Bonner Forum Biomedicine)

Dr. Bonaguro's research is supported by significant funding, including an ERC Starting Grant (POLIS project 2025-2030) investigating PFAS impact on adaptive immunity, ImmunoSensation2 funding for his Junior Group Leader position (2023-2025), and DFG support for the ImmuDiet project (2023-2026). He has developed several computational tools including huva, cyCONDOR, and Clinical Match. His research group combines biological expertise with advanced technological approaches to address critical questions in immunology and aging.

The Bonaguro Lab operates at the intersection of immunology, computational biology, and precision medicine, with active projects investigating environmental impacts on immune function, development of analytical methodologies, and translation of findings to clinical applications.