Dr. Calcaterra joined the Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology as under-graduate student, and then worked in Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology as PhD student and Post-Doc. In these years, her studies have been focused on characterization of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and dendritic cells (DCs). Regarding EPCs, her previous and ongoing researches include optimization of protocols for EPC detection, isolation, culture and characterization in physiological and pathological conditions. Regarding DCs, Dr. Calcaterra is involved in line of research focused on studying DC role in tumors with particular attention to DC characterization by flow cytometry.
Education and training
2009: Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Biotechnology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. Thesis title: “Evaluation of a new hydrogel for cartilage regeneration: cytotoxicity and influence on in vitro proliferation of primary human chondrocyte”
2011: Master’s Degree in Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. Thesis title: “Isolation and in vitro characterization of endothelial progenitor cells: comparison between patients affected by Kaposi Sarcoma and healthy subjects”
2016: Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. During her PhD program, Dr. Calcaterra developed project aimed to characterize endothelial colony-forming cell (ECFC) in physiological and pathological conditions.
Career
2011-2012: Fellow; Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas
2013-2015: Fellow (Triennal FIRC fellow “Guglielmina Locatello e Gino Mazzega”); Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas
2016 – at present: Post-doctoral fellowship; Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas
Research activity
- Role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of unprovoked venous thromboembolism and in antiphospholipid syndrome-associated thrombosis
- DC role in tumors with particular attention to DC characterization by flow cytometry
Other:
2011-today: training of several undergraduate and PhD students
2019-today: Guest Board Member for the Journal of Leukocyte Biology
Awards and honors
- Calcaterra’s research activity is documented by 14 publications in International Journals.
- Total H Index (Scopus): 8
- Total citations (Scopus): 113
- Oral communications: 5
- Conference abstracts: 32
- Awards:
– Poster Award 2017. 51st Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Society for Clinical Investigation; Phagocyte Workshop 2017. Genoa, Italy, 17th – 19th May 2017
– Travel Grant. 51st Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Society for Clinical Investigation; Phagocyte Workshop 2017. Genoa, Italy, 17th – 19th May 2017
– Extra Meeting Supported Travel Awards. 4th Conference of Translational Medicine on Pathogenesis and Therapy of immune-mediated diseases. Palermo, Italy, 27th-29th March 2017
Research supports/grants
- Fondazione Cariplo, bando “Ricerca biomedica condotta da giovani ricercatori 2020”. Proposal: 2020- 3606, project title: ‘’Impact of endothelial dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome-associated thrombosis”. PI: Francesca Calcaterra. Amount Funded: € 250.000
- Fondazione Veronesi Post-doctoral Fellowships 2020 (FUV2020) – anno 2020; Project title: “Targeting tumor infiltrating dendritic cells for implementing and monitoring immunotherapeutic approaches in high grade gliomas”. Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology; University of Milan; IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas
- Ricerca Finalizzata 2018, Progetti Ordinari Giovani Ricercatori (GR), Theory Enhancing; Italian Ministry of Health. Proposal GR-2018-12365520; PI: MP Donadini; Co-Applicants: E Romualdi, M Bacci, F Calcaterra (Unit 2 responsible); Amount Funded: € 450.000
- FIRC Fellowship “Triennal fellowship 2013-2015 Guglielmina Lucatello e Gino Mazzega”