Dr De Chiara’s main scientific interests deal in the fields of Neurovirology and are devoted to the study of:
i) the role of virus/host cell interactions in controlling the outcomes of viral infections, particularly in neuronal cells, focusing on both RNA (e.g., influenza virus) and DNA (e.g., herpes viruses) viruses and including the identification of new host-targeted antiviral strategies; ii) the role of viral infections in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on HSV-1 possible involvement in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Along this context, her interests and expertise include the study of molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly AD (i.e. amyloid-β signaling, tau phosphorylation, role of DNA damage, and alteration of DNA-repair mechanisms in neurodegeneration). The research group coordinated by Dr De Chiara collaborates with prestigious national and international laboratories, including industrial ones.