Our research focuses on the study of insect populations, both harmful ones and those that can serve as indicators of the ecological status of habitats. 

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In particular, we examine the physiological changes and immune responses of insects when they are infected by natural parasites or bacteria, in order to assess their ability to eliminate these pathogens in different environmental conditions. The physiology of these organisms is a sensitive indicator of environmental changes, such as rising temperatures, the presence of pollutants, or hydromorphological alterations in habitats.

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​​In our lab we study physiological alteration and immune defenses of insects when infected by parasites (or bacteria), conventionally used as bioinsecticides as well as the effects of environmental temperature changes on these processes. The host immune responses are monitored in both naive and infected/parasitized insect larvae, with or without priming or immunomodulatory drugs administration.

Some animal models we are using are Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera, parasite of the hives), the spotted wings Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), the choleoptera Red Palm Weevil (Rynchophorous ferrugineus) and acquatic insects as Hydropsyche pellucidula (Trichoptera)

Deepening the knowledge of host-parasite relations (insects-bioinsecticides) provides the fundamental basis for the improvement of biological control methods, methods that if used correctly, will allow a significant reduction in the use of pesticides.

Finally, we also study the biological activity of pharmacologically active molecules using animal models such as insect, alternatives to mammals.

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Particularly, we are studying:

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• Biological Control of Insect Pests and physiology of aquatic Insects.

• Insect humoral Immune responses such as: proPO system, Lysozyme and AMPs modulation.

• Insect cell-mediated responses, such as phagocytosis and encapsulation.

• Compounds isolated from parasites and pathogenic bacteria involved in evasion and depression of host immunity.

• Effects of temperature on phatogenicity and potential correlation with immune responses.

• Role of insect's stress proteins (HSPs) after induced environmental or immunological stress.