Luisa Silva

Current research focuses on immune dysregulation underlying chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), with a particular focus on monocyte diversity and function. The project aims to understand how alterations in monocyte subsets contribute to the immunocompromised state and infection susceptibility commonly observed in CLL patients. Using single-cell transcriptomic sequencing and flow cytometric approaches, the work integrates cellular phenotyping with functional assays to characterise immune defects and their clinical relevance.

In parallel, involvement in the FANTOM6 international collaboration supports efforts to systematically characterise long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) across human cell types. This component of the research explores the potential roles of lncRNAs in CLL pathogenesis and immune regulation, linking non-coding RNA biology with cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease.

Cancer biologist with expertise in tumour biology, molecular mechanisms, and immune regulation in cancer. PhD research focused on BAP1-associated dependencies in uveal melanoma and malignant pleural mesothelioma, aiming to identify novel druggable targets for metastatic uveal melanoma.

Current research investigates immune dysregulation in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), with a focus on monocyte diversity and functional impairment, using single-cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and ELISA-based approaches. This work is conducted in collaboration with the University Hospital Limerick, and Ulster University, which investigates microbiome changes in CLL.

Broader interests include cancer immunology, bioinformatics, and translational research, with the overarching goal of improving patient outcomes and advancing bench-to-bedside innovation.