Rivière JG, Cantenys‑Saba R, Carot‑Sans G, Piera‑Jiménez J, Butte MJ, Soler‑Palacín P, Peng XP.
Current perspectives and challenges of using artificial intelligence in immunodeficiencies.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2025;156(4):878–888.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2025.06.015.
IF: 11.2
RESEARCH GROUPS
Infection and Immunity in Pediatric Patients
56
Number of publications
60.71
%
% Q1
21.43
%
% D1
35.71
%
% Leadership
25.00
%
% Female Leadership
2.18
CROWN (2021-2025)
23.87
%
HCP10% (2021-2025)
75.00
%
% Open access
50.00
%
% International Collaboration
11
Highly cited papers / HCP 1% (2021-2025)
7
Publications in high-IF journals with high Altmetric scores
6
Number of Ongoing Projectes (total)
3
International ongoing projects
3
Number of New projects (total)
1
International new projects
6
Number of Active clinical Trials
0
Number of New Clinical Trials
1
Number of Theses
The Infection and Immunity in Paediatric Patients Research Group (I2P2-RG) conducts an integrated program on paediatric infections and immunity, addressing interactions between host susceptibility, pathogens, treatments and environment. In immunology, it focuses on inborn errors of immunity (IEI) through longitudinal cohorts (>650 patients) and biobank resources (>700 samples), supported by functional testing and translational research, while incorporating quality of life and psychosocial care. In infectious diseases, the group leads antimicrobial optimization through initiatives such as pASP and PROA-VinCAT, reducing resistance and improving safety. Key areas include infections in immunocompromised children and emerging diseases. The group develops guidelines, multicentre studies and educational programs, contributes to global health research, and develops digital and AI-based clinical decision tools, while promoting youth participation and collaboration.
CORE/MISSIONS
- Rare Diseases
PROGRAMS
TEAM
Group Leader
Pere Soler Palacin
Principal Investigator (PI)
Maria Espiau Guarner, Antoni Soriano Arandes, Natalia Mendoza Palomar, Susana Melendo Pérez
Researchers
Jacques Rivière, Andrea Martin Nalda, Jorgina Vila Soler, Núria Wörner Tomasa, Aurora Fernández Polo, Laura Batlle Masó, Beatriz Álvarez Vallejo, Victoria Rello Saltor, Raul García Veiga, Luca Zanieri, Sara Ajanovic Andelic, Judith Fernández Roca, Maria Álvarez de Toledo, Maria Pinyol Sarrias, Gloria Tena Rami, Miquel Polo Sabater
PhD Students
Belén Sánchez Rodríguez, Anna Creus Costa
Lab Technicians
Sandra Marmol Niubó
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Cobo‑Vázquez E, Aguilera‑Alonso D, Grandioso‑Vas D, Gamell A, Rello‑Saltor V, Oltra‑Benavent M, et al.
Sharp increase in the incidence and severity of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections in children after the COVID‑19 pandemic (2019–2023): A nationwide multicenter study.
International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2025;159:107982.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107982.
IF: 4.30
Blom M, Soomann M, Soler‑Palacín P, Šedivá A, Stray‑Pedersen A, Zetterström R, Speckmann C, Gennery AR, van der Burg M.
Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency and severe T lymphocytopenia in Europe.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2024;155(2):377–386.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.10.018.
IF: 11.20
Mendoza‑Palomar N, Nindia A, Rodríguez O, Soriano‑Arandes A, Espiau M, Sulleiro E, Mena M, Aznar Ruiz de Alegría ML, Sicaleta N, Sabonete J, Bocanegra C, Moreno MM, Schaaf S, Tórtola MT.
Potential use of nasopharyngeal aspirate for pediatric TB diagnosis
The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. 2025;29(7):325–327.
DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.24.0512.
IF: 3.10
Espiau M, Ajanovic S, Zarzuela F, Rubio Maturana C, Soler-Palacín P, Soriano-Arandes A, Sulleiro E.
Management of paediatric soil-transmitted helminthiasis in a non-endemic area: experience in a reference international health unit
Parasite Research. 2024;123(3):152.
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08171-8.
IF: 2.4
SELECTED PROJECTS
RBDCOV: RBD Dimer recombinant protein vaccine against SARSCoV2.
Principal Investigator: Pere Soler Palacin
Agency: European Commission H2020.
Funding: 395,000 €
Period: 2021-2025
UNDINE: The human genetic and immunological determinants of the clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Towards personalized medicine.
Principal Investigator: Pere Soler Palacin
Agency: European Commission H2020.
Funding: 312,525 €
Period: 2022-Ongoing
IEI-HAEM: The interplay between Inborn Error of Immunity and blood disorders: unravelling immune defects behind common haematological diseases.
Principal Investigator: Pere Soler Palacin
Agency: European Joint Programme Rare Diseases.
Funding: 179,993.75 €
Period: 2021-Ongoing
Cellular Immunity Against CMV in Paediatric Solid Organ Transplantation: Risk Stratification and Personalized Management - PI25/00543
Principal Investigator: Monica Martinez Gallo-Susana Melendo Pérez
Agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)
Funding: 157,500 €
Period: 2025-Ongoing
Phase IV, randomized, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial to evaluate early antibiotic discontinuation in high-risk pediatric oncohematology patients with febrile neutropenia. (eSTOP-2). AB.OH.2025 - PI25/00295.
Principal Investigator: Pere Soler Palacin
Agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)
Funding: 77,500 €
Period: 2025-ongoing
PATENTS
PIDCAP (Early detection of primary immunodeficiencies in Primary Care).
Priority Number: 1908021605053
Priority Date: 29/07/2019
Applicants: Pere Soler Palacín, Jacques Riviere (50% for each inventor)
Play PROA (Training by gamification in pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs).
Priority Number: 1907251526961
Priority Date: 05/08/2019
Applicants: Pere Soler Palacín, Aurora Fernández Polo, Susana Melendo Pérez
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
New Technologies and Methods in Immunogenetics
Place: Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Date: February 17, 2025
Brief: The event New Technologies and Methods in Immunogenetics took place on February 17, 2025, at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (Barcelona). It brought together researchers and professionals to explore recent advances in immunogenetics, including new sequencing technologies, functional analysis of the immune system, and innovative tools for the diagnosis and study of immune-related diseases. The event also promoted knowledge exchange and collaboration in translational research.
Experience of the Neonatal Screening Programs IDCG in Spain & Portugal
Place: Barcelona (Spain)
Date: June 12th, 2025
Brief: The event Experience of the Neonatal Screening Programs IDCG in Spain & Portugal took place on June 12, 2025, in Barcelona. It focused on the implementation and outcomes of neonatal screening programs for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID/IDCG) across Spain and Portugal. The session brought together experts from different regions to share real-world experiences, discuss program variability, and review advances in early diagnosis. It also addressed challenges in screening strategies, interpretation of results, and clinical management, highlighting the importance of early detection to improve patient outcomes and guide public health policies.
Antifungal stewardship programs in pediatrics. Trends in Medical Mycology Congres (TIMM).
Place: Bilbao (Spain)
Date: 5-8 September 2025
Brief: The presentation Antifungal stewardship programs in pediatrics was delivered at the Trends in Medical Mycology Congress (TIMM), held in Bilbao. A researcher from the group was invited as a speaker at this international congress focused on medical mycology. The talk addressed current strategies and challenges in antifungal stewardship in pediatric populations, highlighting approaches to optimize antifungal use, reduce resistance, and improve clinical outcomes. The session contributed to the exchange of knowledge among international experts in fungal infections and antimicrobial stewardship.
Antibiotic Discontinuation in Pediatric Low-Risk Febrile Neutropenia: A Multicenter Randomized Trial (E-STOP)
Place: Bucarest (Romania)
Date: 26–30 May 2025
Brief: The study Antibiotic Discontinuation in Pediatric Low-Risk Febrile Neutropenia: A Multicenter Randomized Trial (E-STOP) was presented at the 43rd European Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases Annual Meeting, held in Bucharest and online. A researcher from the group presented the results of a multicenter randomized clinical trial coordinated by the team. The study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of early antibiotic discontinuation in pediatric patients with low-risk febrile neutropenia, aiming to optimize antimicrobial use while maintaining patient safety. The findings contribute to improving clinical management and antimicrobial stewardship in this population.
Proceedings of the second Artificial Intelligence in Primary Immunodeficiency (AIPI) meeting
Place: New York City
Date: 19-22 March 2025
Brief: The Proceedings of the Second Artificial Intelligence in Primary Immunodeficiency (AIPI) Meeting summarize the key discussions and outcomes from an international scientific meeting focused on the application of artificial intelligence in primary immunodeficiency (PID). The meeting brought together clinicians, researchers, and data scientists to explore AI-driven approaches for diagnosis, classification, and management of PID, as well as the integration of large datasets, genomic information, and clinical decision-support tools. The proceedings highlight emerging opportunities for precision medicine and collaborative research in immunology.
