Elena Mitsi

This study evaluates nasal immune cell sampling methods and antigen-specific T cell detection using cryopreserved nasal swabs, finding that flocked swabs yield more cells and cryopreservation preserves functional T cells.

This study examines age-related changes in nasal mucosal immune composition and function, finding reduced granulocytes and T cells in young children and older adults, and links pneumococcal colonization to inflammation.

This study uses a human challenge model to show that nasal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae can take up to 24 hours and identifies two distinct clearance mechanisms involving neutrophils.