I am a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Gaudet Lab at Columbia University. My research revolves around the idea that non-immune cells can protect themselves against pathogens through effector interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Many of these ISGs are poorly characterized, and I am exploring the role of these genes in Chagas disease. Outside of the lab, I love exploring NYC, baking, and hanging out with my cat.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
My name is Dominic Ritacco, and I am currently a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Gaudet Lab in the Microbiology and Immunology Department at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Where did you do your training?
I received my B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I conducted cell physiology and cancer metabolism research in the lab of Dr. Jason Cantor. I also conducted infectious disease research at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in the lab of Dr. Ann Moormann.
Briefly, what is your research about?
My Ph.D. work in the Gaudet Lab is centered around the idea that non-immune cells (e.g., endothelia, epithelia, myocytes) mediate cellular self-defense through the induction of effector interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). My project focuses on the obligate intracellular parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas Disease. These parasites can invade nearly any nucleated cell upon initial invasion; however, they are often confined to muscle tissue during chronic infection. My goal is to explore whether differences in ISG-signatures between different cell types could explain this striking tropism.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
I recently became a member of ICIS and have had a great experience thus far. It was an honor to receive the 2025 ICIS-Pfizer Junior Investigator Award.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of the Cytokines meeting? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
The Cytokines 2025 meeting in Seattle was my first ICIS conference. The opportunity to present my work along with all the incredible speakers made this conference a great experience! I have enjoyed reading about other ICIS members and their work through the Signals+ member news. Having now met some of them in person, I am looking forward to building on the new connections.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
Outside of the lab, I particularly enjoy exploring the food scene in NYC, spending time with my cat, and baking. One of the perks of living in the city is that there is an endless list of new restaurants, bakeries, and cafes to try out. At home, I enjoy learning how to bake complex confections. Most recently, after several failed attempts, I successfully made macarons. I also love spending time with my sweet and sassy cat, Puddles.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
One piece of life advice that has stuck with me is to “use your gifts for good.” My dad has always instilled in me the importance of exploring my interests and doing what I love, while also trying to make a positive difference in the world.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
A book I recommend is Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green. This book opened my eyes to the profound impact that TB has had on human history, its influence on the arts and sciences, and how it continues to affect millions today. The book is highly engaging and very much a worthwhile read.
What is your favorite cytokine?
I am very biased, but interferon-gamma is my favorite cytokine. It protects against a wide breadth of pathogens and plays a crucial role in the immune response. Also, I find it particularly exciting that there are so many ISG-encoded effectors downstream of interferon-gamma left to uncover and explore.
Connect with Dominic on Twitter/X account: Flow_CyDometry