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Sloan-Kettering Institute // Marcel R.M. van den Brink

Enrico Velardi, PhD

Research Fellow

Pictured: Enrico Velardi

Lab Phone:

646-888-2317

Education:

University of Perugia

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative therapy for a variety of hematological malignancies. Despite improvements in the overall survival of transplant recipients, infections and disease relapse remain the major causes of post-transplant morbidity and mortality. In addition, the widespread use of HSCT it has been limited by the onset of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)

My current projects include:

I am interested in the development of strategies to regenerate the immune system after HSCT. Currently, I am addressing the role and molecular basis of chemical castration as a tool to reconstitute the immune system through the use of experimental models.
Several laboratories have demonstrated that T regulatory cells are capable of inhibiting GVHD without impacting the Graft-versus-tumor response. The main obstacle to clinical application of Tregs in humans is their paucity in peripheral blood. I am investigating novel experimental models to expand Tregs in vitro and in vivo and to use them as a tool in preventing GVHD.

blood (blud)

A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

castration (kas-TRAY-shun)

Removal or destruction of the testicles or ovaries using radiation, surgery, or drugs. Medical castration refers to the use of drugs to suppress the function of the ovaries or testicles.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cell (sel)

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

chemical (KEH-mih-kul)

A substance made up of elements, such as hydrogen or sodium.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)

Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

experimental (ek-SPAYR-ih-men-tul)

In clinical trials, refers to a drug (including a new drug, dose, combination, or route of administration) or procedure that has undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in human subjects. A drug or procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition, but be considered experimental in other diseases or conditions. Also called investigational.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

graft-versus-host disease (... dih-ZEEZ)

A disease caused when cells from a donated stem cell graft attack the normal tissue of the transplant patient. Symptoms include jaundice, skin rash or blisters, a dry mouth, or dry eyes. Also called GVHD.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

graft-versus-tumor (graft-VER-sus-TOO-mer)

An immune response to a person's tumor cells by immune cells present in a donor's transplanted tissue, such as bone marrow or peripheral blood.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

GVHD

A disease caused when cells from a donated stem cell graft attack the normal tissue of the transplant patient. Symptoms include jaundice, skin rash or blisters, a dry mouth, or dry eyes. Also called graft-versus-host disease.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

immune system (ih-MYOON SIS-tem)

The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

in vitro (in VEE-troh)

In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

in vivo (in VEE-voh)

In the body. The opposite of in vitro (outside the body or in the laboratory).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

morbidity (mor-BIH-dih-tee)

A disease or the incidence of disease within a population. Morbidity also refers to adverse effects caused by a treatment.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

mortality (mor-TA-lih-tee)

The state of being mortal (destined to die). Mortality also refers to the death rate, or the number of deaths in a certain group of people in a certain period of time. Mortality may be reported for people who have a certain disease, live in one area of the country, or who are of a certain gender, age, or ethnic group.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

relapse (REE-laps)

The return of a disease or the signs and symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

response (reh-SPONTS)

In medicine, an improvement related to treatment.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

therapy (THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

transplantation (tranz-plan-TAY-shun)

A surgical procedure in which tissue or an organ is transferred from one area of a person’s body to another area, or from one person (the donor) to another person (the recipient).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)