Kirsi Rilla

Associate Professor Kirsi Rilla leads a research group at the University of Eastern Finland focused on the biology of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Her team explores how EV surface properties, particularly those involving hyaluronic acid and its receptor CD44 mediate interactions with the extracellular matrix and target cells, using advanced 3D cell culture models. As leader of the cell and tissue imaging core facility, she drives the development of cutting-edge imaging techniques for EV research. As a PI in the GeneCellNano Flagship, she investigates how EV characteristics can be harnessed for targeted drug delivery. Research interests include cancer biology, extracellular matrix, hyaluronic acid, CD44, exosomes, microvesicles, and imaging.