Translational Immunology
The main objectives are to improve the diagnosis of immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases, addressing also their heterogeneity and mechanisms in close collaboration with the pediatrics, thyroid and systemic disease groups, being internationally recognized in both areas. The group participates in numerous research projects at the Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus that use immunological tests developed for specific projects led by the kidney transplantation, intensive care medicine, internal medicine, allergy and rheumatology groups. During the COVID pandemic the group made contributions in improving the immunogenetic and immunological risk profiles and in the evaluation of the immune response to vaccination and natural infection, collaborating with national and international networks. The group has also generated a biobank of more than 8.000 samples from patients with COVID-19 that have been incorporated into the VHIR biobank.
The group works as a coordinator of the "Focis" Center of Excellence (Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies) of Barcelona.