
Anna Kajaste-Rudnitski
PI
Anna Kajaste-Rudnitski (AKR)’s training is in molecular virology and innate immunity. After studying innate immune responses and genetic susceptibility to flaviviral infections during her PhD at the Pasteur Institute, Paris, France, she continued her post-doctoral training in molecular virology at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute, OSR, Milan, Italy, working on Influenza and HIV. She then joined the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), OSR, in Milan as Project Leader in 2012, promoted Group Leader in July 2016. In October 2023 AKR will start in her new position as Full Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of Pavia and pursue her research at the Department of Biology and Biochemistry.
AKR Team
Cristina Belgiovine
Post-Doc

I hold a PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology, with specialized training in Microbiology and Virology from the University of Pavia.
My research has focused on the biology of tumor cells and the complexities of the tumor microenvironment, particularly its immunosuppressive aspects.
At Humanitas, I explored the interactions between innate immunity, inflammation, and tumor progression, with a focus on mesothelioma and biofilm formation on medical devices.
I have also contributed to developing innovative immunotherapy approaches for pediatric solid tumors, driven by a commitment to advancing cancer research and understanding the innate immune system.
Giovanni Crivicich
PhD student

I am a dedicated PhD student in a molecular biology lab, where I focus on unraveling the complexities of cellular processes at the molecular level. With a strong background in genetics and biochemistry, I am passionate about understanding how genes and proteins interact to drive biological functions and disease. My research involves cutting-edge techniques such as CRISPR gene editing, RNA sequencing, and advanced microscopy, aiming to uncover new insights into cellular behavior. My work is centered on understanding the cellular mechanisms that detect, repair, and respond to DNA damage. Specifically, I investigate the molecular pathways that maintain genome stability and protect cells from genotoxic stress. I am committed to pushing the boundaries of molecular biology and by elucidating these mechanisms, I hope to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer and other genetic diseases linked to DNA repair deficiencies.
Alessandro Mapelli
PhD student

I hold a Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from the University of Milan. My journey into research began as a master’s student in Prof. Anna Kajaste-Rudnitski's lab at SR-Tiget, based at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, where I worked on modeling Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS).
I continued as a research fellow, in both Milan and Pavia. Today, I am pursuing my PhD with IUSS, where I am investigating the molecular pathways underpinning AGS. My current research focuses on using cellular models to better understand the fundamental mechanisms driving this disease, with the aim of identifying potential therapeutic targets.
As a researcher, I am deeply curious and motivated to uncover the molecular
underpinnings of complex diseases. I am particularly drawn to the intricate
interactions within cellular pathways and the potential to contribute to
advances in gene therapy and molecular medicine.
Silvia Piccolo
PhD student

I’ve graduated in Biology Applied to Research in Biomedicine in 2023 from the University of Milan. I currently work in the team led by Prof. Anna Kajaste-Rudnitski at SR-Tiget at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy. I work on the innate immune barriers affecting lentiviral gene therapy vectors.
As an aspiring researcher, I have always been curious and ambitious to understand how and why biological processes are taking place.
I had the opportunity to attend my internship at San Raffaele Hospital, a highly stimulating environment that made me realize how important it was for me to be able to contribute to the world of biological research. I am deeply interested in immune responses and all of the intricacies of gene therapy as it is a very complex and innovative branch of biotechnologies.
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Radu Marian Rivara
Lab manager

I hold a bachelor's degree in Biosciences and Biotechnology from the University of Camerino, and I have continued my studies with a master's degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Pavia. My master’s thesis, conducted at Humanitas Research Hospital, explored the ex vivo effects of Apremilast on monocyte-derived macrophages cells.
I joined the AKR as a research fellow, but quickly adapted to the lab environment and now I am the lab manager/lab technician. I oversee daily operations, manage inventories, handle administrative tasks, maintain equipment and support the ongoing research of my fellow colleagues. I ensure that the lab runs smoothly and efficinetly while contributing to scientific progress.
Meet our Students

Chiara Lucini
Master Student in Advanced Biotechnology
I am a Master's student in Experimental and Applied Biology, specializing in Biomedical Molecular Sciences, at the Università degli Studi di Pavia. I have built a foundation in molecular biology, complemented by hands-on laboratory experience.
During a year in the Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy at Humanitas Research Hospital, I developed practical expertise in molecular biology techniques, focusing on DNA and RNA analysis for the diagnosis and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
I am eager to leverage my skills and knowledge to address complex challenges, particularly in advancing diagnostics and developing innovative therapeutics.

Edoardo Sanvito
Master Student in Experimental and Applied Biology
I am a first-year master’s student in Experimental and Applied Biology at the Università degli Studi di Pavia. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, and my laboratory experience began during my undergraduate thesis internship in 2024, which I carried out in this lab. There, I had the opportunity to work on Alessandro’s project focused on Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, allowing me to enhance my technical skills and deepen my understanding of molecular biology. I believe that biotechnology holds the key to unraveling the fundamental mechanisms of life, offering insights into the questions I have always been eager to explore.

Lorena Iustina Sava
Master Student in Experimental and Applied Biology
I am a final-year Master’s student in Experimental and Applied Biology, specializing in Biomedical Molecular Sciences, at the University of Pavia.
During my Bachelor’s studies, I contributed to a research project investigating the production of autoantibodies against type I interferons in DiGeorge syndrome, which allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and methodologies.
I am very interested in scientific fields such as immunology, genetics, and oncology, and I am passionate about addressing complex biological challenges through innovative approaches. My goal is to contribute to advancements in the understanding of diseases and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
I am particularly drawn to biotechnological research, with a strong focus on its medical applications.

Aurelia Divittorio
Master Student in Molecular Biology and Genetics
​I’m a 2nd year master student in Molecular biology and Genetics at University of Pavia. I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology at the Università degli studi di Bari Aldo Moro.
During the years of my bachelor’s degree, I discovered my passion for molecular biology as I am fascinated by cellular mechanisms, both in healthy cells and in the context of disease. I am extremely eager to learn laboratory techniques that will allow me to study these mechanisms in a hands-on way. I would love to actively contribute to clinical research, particularly regarding rare diseases and cancer, with the aim of combining my theoretical knowledge with practical applications that can improve patients' lives.