The Laboratory of Pathogens’ Biology and Molecular Diagnostics

Researches in the field of microbiology, pathogens’ molecular biology, immunology, and immunotherapy. Searching for new therapeutics against infections.

In particular, the research focuses on:

1. Development of a universal platform using non-replicating adenoviruses as universal and highly immunogenic vectors – adjuvants in combination with selected CoV-19 epitopes (SARS-COVID-19 etiological factor). The platform meant for rapid testing of protective vaccines against COVID-19 and viral diseases. Research conducted  in cooperation with national (NIPH-NIH, Jagiellonian University) and foreign centers (University of Padua, Italy). Understanding COVID19 pathogenesis using the 2D and 3D research models. Head of the Project: Monika Staniszewska, assistant professor.
2. Development of new and effective methods of immunotherapy in the treatment of patients with mesothelioma and melanoma using a combination therapy, i.e. an oncolytic virus encoding ICOS ligand: a factor stimulating the activation of T lymphocytes and anti-PD1 (an inhibitor of the immune checkpoint PD-1 ). Studies of the action mode of combined therapy and cancer biology. Development of new and effective methods of treating cancer patients conducted in the Sonatina Project supervised by Łukasz Kuryk, PhD (NIPH-NIH). Coordinator of the studies in the CEZAMAT laboratory: Monika Staniszewska, assistant professor. The project implemented in cooperation with foreign centers in Padua and Graz (Austria).
3. Research into the synthesis and selection of antimycotics effective in the treatment of patients with fungal infections. Interdisciplinary cooperation with national (Institute of Organic Chemistry PAS, Faculty of Chemistry WUT) and foreign centers (University of Guanajuato, Tübingen).
4. Assessment of the antifungal activity of fabrics useful in the area of sanitary and medical protection in the project co-funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (Fast Track Competition – Coronaviruses).
5. Research focusing on the regulatory interaction of the Cal fungal calcineurin subunit (encoded by the CNB1 gene) with mast cells. Cooperation with P. Borowiecki, PhD (Faculty of Chemistry) and the team of Prof. Karl Kuchler (Medical University of Vienna). Application approach involving the development of an immunotherapeutic and antifungal strategy: calcineurin target for the proxyphylline derivative.
6. Diploma supervision of WUT students. Students participate in the project researches (NSC, NCRD).

• BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer
• BioVangard class II (Baker) and Alpina Bio130 biological safety cabinets
• T100 Thermal cycler
• CFX96 Touch Real-Time PCR detection system 
• QXDx Automated Droplet Generator. Automated droplet generator for probe-based digital PCR applications, for use with the QXDx AutoDG ddPCR System.
• Azure 600 Imaging system including quad mini-cell with plate set, aqua transfer cell, and power supply
• New Brunswick Innova 40R biological shaker
• Centrifuge Eppendorf 5910E with cooling
• CO2 Incubators MCO – 170AICD (PHCBI) with dry heat sterilization cycle
• Labo Autoclaves MLS-3751L (PHCBI) – high-pressure steam sterilizers
• Dual cooling system PHCBI (-80°)
• Cryogenic freezer PHCBI (-150°)
• Biomedical Refrigerators (SANYO)
• ESCO ISOCIDE PCR cabinets
• Lab Drier MIR-H163 (PHCBI)
• SPARK microplate multimode reader (TECAN) equipped with HydroFlex platform
• Inverted microscope Leica DMIL
• Washer-disinfector Miele with items supplied
• Minor Laboratory Equipment:

• • Thermoblock QBD1 Grant
  • Pipette pumps – automatic and manual (Eppendorf)
  • Pipettes – automatic single and multi-channeled (Eppendorf Research plus)
  • Vortex Shaker
  • Balance ( max. weight 5200 g)
  • Semi-micro balance (weight 82 g)
  • Ceramic plate with a magnetic agitator
  • pH meter

1. Development of innovative and versatile vector – adjuvant for the design and production of vaccines against various infectious diseases (2020-2021). Supervisor: Monika Staniszewska, assistant professor.
2. Development of metal-polymer compositions and technologies for producing layered fabrics with antimicrobial and filtering properties for sanitary products or medical protection (2020-2022). NCRD Fast Track – Coronavirus 5 / 1.1.1 / 2020. Leader of three tasks at Stage 4: Monika Staniszewska, assistant professor.
3. Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 viruses using UV-C radiation from the surface of air filters. IDUB against COVID (2020-2021). Head of the Project: Piotr Sobótka, PhD (Faculty of Physics, WUT). Coordinator of biological tasks in the CEZAMAT laboratory: Monika Staniszewska, assistant professor.
4. Development of new and more efficient treatment against mesothelioma utilizing oncolytic adenovirus armed with ICOS ligand combined with checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD-1 (2019-2021). Supervisor of the project Łukasz Kuryk, PhD (NIPH-NIH). Coordinator of studies in the CEZAMAT laboratory: Monika Staniszewska, assistant professor.
5. Mast Cell-mediated innate immune response against Candida infections. Supervisor of the project Monika Staniszewska, assistant professor, the project funded by NSC (2022-25). 

• Monika Staniszewska, PhD, DSc. – Head of the Laboratory