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Immunology

Immunology Core

The Core Immunology Laboratory (CIL) serves as a central resource for high-throughput immunological analysis. The CIL provides comprehensive expertise in antibody and antigen detection assays, single- and multiplex soluble biomarkers analysis and clinical chemistry measurements.

CIL supports studies focused on immune profiling during viral infections, inflammation-driven mechanisms of chronic disease, and antibody responses following transfusion or vaccination.

Clara

Clara Di Germanio

Immunology Core Director, Staff Scientist

Dr. Clara Di Germanio is the Director of the Immunology Core, her scientific training spans the molecular, cellular, and physiological dimensions of immune regulation. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Dietetics and in Biology of Nutrition, and a Master’s in Human Nutrition, reflecting early work at the intersection of metabolism and immune function. She earned her PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biotechnologies, studying stem cells and inflammatory pathways, and continued to advance her expertise during her postdoctoral training at the National Institute on Aging. She joined Vitalant Research Institute in 2019 and in 2021 was appointed Assistant Adjunct Professor of Laboratory Medicine at UCSF.

Education & Training

BS in Dietetics, University of Chieti, italy
BS in Biology of Nutrition, University of Camerino, Italy
MS in Human Nutrition, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Italy
PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biotechnologies, University of Teramo, Italy
Post-Doc in the Experimental Gerontology Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD

Publications

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=clara+di+germanio

Core Team Members

  • Photo of Brendan Balasko
    Brendan Balasko
    Research Associate II
  • Photo of Jahnavi Bhaska
    Jahnavi Bhaska
    Research Associate II
  • Photo of Patricia Villaflor
    Patricia Villaflor
    Research Associate I

Core Service

Multiplex Cytokine & Biomarker Analysis
Simultaneous detection of multiple analytes using Luminex 200 and MSD QuickPlex 120 systems.
Serology Measurement
Antibody and antigen quantification using ELISA, Limiting Antigen Avidity EIA, Vitros XT 7600 integrated system
Clinical Chemistry Profiling
Broad biomarker and metabolic measurements using the Ortho Vitros XT 7600 Integrated System.
Spectral Flow Cytometry
High-dimensional immune cell phenotyping with the Cytek Aurora spectral analyzer.
Cell Sorting
Multi-parameter, high-purity cell isolation using the Sony MA900 cell sorter.
Automated Sample Preparation and Testing
Standardized, reproducible assay setup with the Hamilton Microlab Prep liquid handling platform.
Assay Development & Optimization
Custom design, refinement, and validation of immunoassays and biomarker measurement workflows 

Research Interest

The Immunology Core’s research interests center on the development and application of high-throughput immune assays, with emphasis on serology and soluble biomarker measurement. Core activities span infectious disease serology, characterization of biomarkers of infection and transfusion, and the optimization and development of immunoassays to support translational research.

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