Laboratory of Cellular Immunology and Nanobiotechnology

Pregnancy is a complex process that involves numerous mechanisms to protect allogenic fetus from mother's immune cells aggression. Multiple placental hormones and proteins regulate the activity of various immune cell types (T-cells, B-cells, NK-cells, dendritic cells, and so on) providing conditions which are favorable for gestational process. We study mechanisms underlying mentioned changes of immune cells physiology: expression of surface cell receptors and nuclear factors, production of cytokines, cell differentiation routes. Methods we use include flow cytometry, multiplex immunoassays, polymerase chain reaction, and different types of microscopy.

Nanomaterials possess unique properties which allows them to be used as labels in various kinds of immunoassays and biosensors. In our lab we develop nanoparticles-based reagents for bioassays. We synthesize polymer-coated inorganic nanopaticles (magnetic, catalytic or brigtly colored) or polymer nanoparticles loaded with reporter luminescent or catalytic complexes. Conjugates of prepared nanoparticles with monoclonal antibodies, aptamers, and other recognition molecules we utilize to develop quantitative assays in homogeneous, dot blot or ELISA-like format.

Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms

Laboratory of Cellular Immunology and Nanobiotechnology