Mirela Kuka

Dr. Mirela Kuka is an Assistant Professor at Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele in the Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathophysiology. Her research focuses on immunology, vaccine development, and infectious disease mechanisms, with particular expertise in T cell biology and immune regulation. She teaches Pathology courses in the Medicine and Surgery degree program.

Her core research interests include:

• Cancer immunology and immunotherapy approaches
• Innate and adaptive immune responses to pathogens
• Vaccine development against infectious diseases
• T cell differentiation and regulation mechanisms
• SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and immunity

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on T cell biology, SARS-CoV-2 immunity, vaccine development, and innovative cancer immunotherapies, often utilizing animal models and molecular techniques.

Scientific awards and recognitions:

• PRIN 2022 PNRR (2023)
• Early Career Faculty Grant - AAI (2022)
• PRIN2020 Coordinator (2021)
• Marie Curie Fellowship (2013)
• DC-Thera Ph.D. Fellowship (2006)

She coordinates local research units for national projects and leads public engagement initiatives including UniVAX Day events to promote vaccine education.