Research Overview

Respiratory pathogens must interact with and negotiate colonisation of the specialised epithelial cells that line the nose. These cells form a protective barrier and contact with pathogens triggers immune responses that lead to production of protective immunity. This process changes with age, environmental factors, and the respiratory microbiome. We use state-of-the-art models and advanced imaging technology to study how interactions of bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae affect the respiratory epithelium.