Areas of interest
My research focuses on the role of platelets as key regulators of host immunity during fungal bloodstream infections, with a particular emphasis on Candida albicans-derived candidaemia. This life-threatening condition remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, largely due to the absence of timely diagnostic tools and effective therapeutic options. My research programme integrates platelet and neutrophil biology, medical mycology, and multi-omics approaches to elucidate the mechanistic contribution of platelets to antifungal immunity. By doing so, it aims to uncover novel diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for the clinical management of candidaemia.
Teaching
- MPharm and Pharmacology programmes
Research centres and groups
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Group
Background
Marilena completed her Laurea degree (BSc plus MSc) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy. She obtained her PhD in Vascular Biology and Pathophysiology at the University of Perugia, Italy, and since then has worked in several international Academic Institutions, including Harvard Medical School (Boston), Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (Madrid), University of Reading and Queen Mary University of London. Marilena has also served as senior lecturer in Haematology at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Awards and honours
- 2025 Best Offered Talk, 59th British Society for Medical Mycology Annual Conference, Norwich
- 2022-24 The Academy of Medical Science, Springboard Round 7 Grant” Investigating the influence of platelet-derived eicosanoids on NET formation during fungal infection”
- UK Platelet Society Summer Studentship 2023 “Immunothrombosis induction by Candida albicans infective endocarditis strains: implications for antifungal resistance”
- 2022-23 Manchester Metropolitan University, Research Accelerator Grant “Role of platelets in host immune response to fungal infection”
- 2019 Eicosanoid Research Foundation Travel Award for Postdoctoral Fellows
- 2018-19 British Pharmacological Society Travel Grants
- 2018-19 Queen Mary University Travel Grants
- 2016 Public engagement bursary funded by the British Pharmacological Society
- 2015 Poster Prize, top 20 ranking, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Conference, Toronto
- 2015 “Image of Research competition”, 2nd place, UK Science
- 2010 Foundation BLANCEFLOR Boncompagni-Ludovisi, nee Bildt Scholariship
Professional bodies/affiliations
- British Society for Immunology (BSI)
- International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)
- UK Platelet Society
- British Society for Cardiovascular Research (BSCR)
- British Pharmacological Society (BPS)
- British Society for Medical Mycology (BSMM)
