Founded by Claudio Bandi, EntoPar is now home to three major research groups led by senior scientists Sara Epis, Paolo Gabrieli, and Matteo Brilli, with significant contributions from a dynamic team of young researchers, postdocs, and PhD students. EntoPar is one of the leading laboratories in the Department of Biosciences at the University of Milan (https://bioscienzebio.unimi.it/).

Beyond its core expertise in parasitology and entomology, the laboratory stands out for its broad and highly diverse technical know-how. This includes expertise in cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetic manipulation of insect vectors and microorganisms, as well as bioinformatics, genomics, recombinant protein expression and characterization, cellular immunology, and the development of antigens for serological diagnoses and vaccine applications.

These shared competencies and state-of-the-art facilities allow EntoPar researchers to pursue a wide range of projects in parasitology and medical entomology. From monitoring programs on disease vectors to genomics and transcriptomics, from population genetics to innovative strategies for the control of vector-borne diseases, EntoPar’s research remains at the forefront of the field.

Current research focuses on five main areas:

• Biology and immunology of blood feeding in mosquitoes (PI: Paolo Gabrieli).
• Immunology and vaccine strategies, with a focus on leishmaniasis and arboviruses (PI: Sara Epis).
• Population biology and monitoring of invasive mosquitoes (PI: Sara Epis and Paolo Gabrieli).
• Development of strategies for the control of mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases, using genetic engineering techniques, innovative methods for insecticide and bioinsecticide delivery, and molecules that interfere with insect blood feeding (PI: Sara Epis and Paolo Gabrieli).
• Genetics, genomics, and population genetics of arthropod vectors and infectious agents (PI: Matteo Brilli).

Additionally, projects led by three early-career researchers, Irene Arnoldi, Agata Negri and Ilaria Varotto Boccazzi, are funded and align with the research lines outlined above.

Claudio Bandi contributes to the overall coordination of the lab activities and projects and to specific projects. He is currently coordinating the “One Health Basic and Translational Research Actions Addressing Unmet Needs on Emerging Infectious Diseases (INF-ACT)” project for the University of Milan.