ESR7: Alice Senni

Role of the IRAP compartment in cross-presentation: deciphering molecular interactions and MHC class I trafficking


  • Scientific Background

The passion of Alice for Science began a long time ago when she was in Primary School. Since she has always thought that it is important to study something that makes you curious and keeps your passion alive day by day, she decided to undertake a scientific path at University. Studying Biotechnology (BSc) and Medical Biotechnology (MSc) at La Sapienza University of Rome made her possible to receive an interdisciplinary training based on different educational areas. Unlike the Bachelor’s, which aim is to provide an adequate preparation in the basic disciplines, the Master’s in Medical Biotechnology allowed her to concentrate and deeply specialize in the sector of biotechnology applied to medicine. For the final project of her thesis, she studied the role of myo-Inositol in tumor reversion using as model both triple negative (MDAMB- 231) and hormone responsive (MCF-7) breast cancer cells. During this period, she also had the opportunity to spend six months at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Granada and other six months in Barcelona at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) for a traineeship period. Thanks to all these experiences she realized how Science is important in her life. It is something that belongs to you and affects the way you see the world: asking yourself questions and trying to find an answer, even though the right answer doesn’t always exist Having the opportunity to work in order to enlarge human knowledge is a privilege that must be cultivated through hard work and dedication.


  • CAPSTONE project

Cross-presentation of internalized antigens by dendritic cells plays a critical role in mounting immune responses to tumors and pathogens as well as in immune tolerance. The host laboratory has previously identified an important role of a specialized endosomal compartment marked by insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) in adaptive responses to cross-presented peptides and in innate immune responses triggered by TLR9. The objective of this project will be to i) identify molecular players involved in both pathways and to ii) interrogate the place of the IRAP compartment in trafficking of newly synthesized and recycling MHC class I molecules.


  • Supervisory team

  • Contact

alice.senni[at]inserm.fr


  • More on Alice's project