My scientific research is primarily focused on unraveling the immunological mechanisms responsible for the development and persistence of COPD. Given that more than 3 million people die from COPD annually worldwide, there is an urgent need for new treatments that positively impact the progression of the disease and survival rates. Over the past 20 years, I have investigated various aspects of COPD pathogenesis, ranging from the detection of cigarette smoke by the innate immune system to the activation of the adaptive immune system. Current research lines focus on the role of different forms of regulated cell death in COPD, on the impaired clearance of dead cells (efferocytosis), and on the role of TLR7 and IL-33. The strength of my research lies in its translational approach, combining experimental models—aimed at unraveling the in vivo functional role of mediators— with academic and clinical research on human samples.