SIM 53 and INF-ACT -Catania, September 19-22, 2025

From 19 to 22 September 2025, the historic Monastery of the Benedictines in Catania hosted the 53rd National Congress of the Italian Society of Microbiology (SIM53), which gathered more than 500 scientific contributions from across Italy. Scylla Biotech was prominently represented in collaboration with the Laboratory of Microbiology "Elie Metchnikoff" of the University of Messina, showcasing innovative work on host-pathogen interactions, innate immunity, and therapeutic antibodies.

Key scientific contributions

  • Prof. Concetta Beninati, head of the "Elie Metchnikoff" Laboratory, presented a keynote contribution on innate immunity and Streptococcus-host interactions, emphasizing evolutionary aspects and translational perspectives for novel therapeutic strategies.

  • Dr. Federica Grasso presented  "Analysis of anti-ZIKV innate immune responses using an immunocompetent mouse infection," highlighting the relevance of murine models for dissecting early host defense mechanisms against flavivirus infection.

  • Dr. Francesco Coppolino, Dr. Agata Famà, Dr. Andrea Tavella, Dr. Maria Chiara Stifano, and Dr. Riccardo Galasso presented posters on recombinant antibody fragments, interferon activity, and bacterial extracellular vesicles, showcasing the group's cutting-edge research in diagnostics and delivery systems

  • Dr. Luigi Fiore, PhD candidate in Molecular Medicine and Surgery (40th cycle), received the award for Best Poster in the category "Host immune response to infections". His work, entitled:
    "Caspase-8 inhibition activates a neutrophil-centric inflammatory pathway that enhances host defense against antibiotic-resistant bacteria",
    demonstrates how Caspase-8 inhibition can potentiate neutrophil-driven immunity, opening new perspectives for combating antibiotic resistance.

Recognition and continuity

This marks the fourth consecutive year in which the "Elie Metchnikoff" Laboratory has been selected and awarded at SIM, testifying to the consistency and excellence of its scientific output. The recognition of Dr. Fiore's work also reflects the fruitful collaboration between academic research and biotech innovation, where Scylla Biotech plays a pivotal role.