The Stefani Lab studies how cells detect, respond to, and repair membrane damage. These processes are essential for maintaining healthy tissues and regulating immune responses during infection, injury, and other forms of cellular stress. When membrane repair fails or becomes dysregulated, it can contribute to diseases such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
To better understand these processes, the lab combines cell biology, immunology, and advanced imaging technologies with high-throughput genetic screening approaches. Researchers use microscopy, machine learning, and three-dimensional visualization tools to identify the molecular pathways involved in detecting membrane damage, coordinating repair, and shaping cellular responses to injury.
By uncovering how cells sense and respond to damage, the Stefani Lab aims to advance understanding of tissue repair, immune system function, and the cellular processes that contribute to human disease.
Caroline Stefani, PhD
Research Projects
Membrane Damage Sensing and Repair
The Stefani Lab studies how cells detect membrane damage and activate repair pathways that maintain tissue health.
Tumor Cell Resistance to Immunotherapy
The Stefani Lab studies how cancer cells resist immune attack and identifies mechanisms that influence responses to immunotherapy.
Featured Publications
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LITAF protects against pore-forming protein-induced cell death by promoting membrane repair.
Science ImmunologyStefani C, Bruchez AM, Rosasco MG, Yoshida AE, Fasano KJ, Levan PF, Lorant A, Hubbard NW, Oberst A, Stuart LM, Lacy-Hulbert A -
MicroMagnify: A Multiplexed Expansion Microscopy Method for Pathogens and Infected Tissues.
Advanced ScienceCheng Z, Stefani C, Skillman T, Klimas A, Lee A, DiBernardo EF, Brown KM, Milman T, Wang Y, Gallagher BR, Lagree K, Jena BP, Pulido JS, Filler SG, Mitchell AP, Hiller NL, Lacy-Hulbert A, Zhao Y -
T Cell Autocrine Hyaluronan Forms Complex Structures in CD4 T Cell Cytoplasm and Plays a Critical Role in Formation of the Immune Synapse
The Journal of Histochemistry and CytochemistryRobert B Vernon, Michel D Gooden, John A Gebe, Inkyung Kang, Caroline Stefani, Gail Workman, Adam Lacy-Hulbert, Paul L Bollyky, Thomas N Wight -
Integrin αvβ3 Limits Cytokine Production by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Restricts TLR-Driven Autoimmunity.
Journal of ImmunologyLorant AK, Yoshida AE, Gilbertson EA, Chu T, Stefani C, Acharya M, Hamerman JA, Lacy-Hulbert A -
Extracellular DNA traps in a ctenophore demonstrate immune cell behaviors in a non-bilaterian.
Nature CommunicationsVandepas LE, Stefani C, Domeier PP, Traylor-Knowles N, Goetz FW, Browne WE, Lacy-Hulbert A
Innovation Grant Yields Exciting Advances and Additional Funding
Learn how lab-grown human beta cells are helping Eddie James, PhD, and other BRI researchers answer important questions in type 1 diabetes.
Innovation Fund Spotlight: Lab-Grown Beta Cells Meet State-Of-The-Art Imaging To Answer New Questions About Type 1 Diabetes
BRI investigators Eddie James, PhD, and Caroline Stefani, PhD, are teaming up to take a unique approach to type 1 diabetes research.
BRI’s Innovation Fund Sparks New Discoveries
Learn about one of the first projects launched with this funding, where Eddie James, PhD, and Caroline Stephanie, PhD, are exploring a new approach to treat type 1 diabetes.
News
LITAF Protects Against Pore-Forming Protein–Induced Cell Death by Promoting Membrane Repair: Interview with Drs. Stefani & Lacy-Hulbert
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Protein LITAF Provides Resistance to Pore-Forming Toxin-Induced Cell Death
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