Sophie Grigolo | Immunology and Microbiology | Young Researcher Award

Mrs. Sophie Grigolo | Immunology and Microbiology | Young Researcher Award

University of Fribourg | Switzerland

Mrs. Sophie Grigolo is an emerging researcher specializing in cellular and molecular biology, with a strong focus on cancer research, particularly clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Her work encompasses extensive laboratory expertise in cell culture using human kidney cancer cell lines (A-498, ACHN, Caki-1, and Caki-2) and a range of analytical assays including BrdU Cell Proliferation, MTT, LDH, and Live-or-Dye™ Fixable Viability Staining. She is proficient in advanced molecular biology techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), agarose gel electrophoresis, western blotting, genotyping, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), which she applies to elucidate cancer cell behavior and therapeutic responses. Her publications, including studies on immunotherapy in ccRCC and the role of IL-2 receptor expression in renal carcinoma cells, contribute to advancing understanding of tumor immunology and targeted therapies. Sophie has also shared her findings at prestigious scientific forums, including the International Student Congress of (bio)Medical Sciences and the Annual European Student Symposium on Anatomical Research, where her work has earned recognition for excellence. Through her research and technical acumen, she continues to contribute to the evolving field of cancer biology and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Grigolo, S., Fellay, I., & Filgueira, L. (2025). IL-2 receptor expression in renal cell carcinoma cells: IL-2 influences cell survival and induces cell death. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 47(10), 830.

Grigolo, S., & Filgueira, L. (2024). Immunotherapy of clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma. Cancers, 16, 2092.

Giovanni Nigro | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Giovanni Nigro | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Nonprofit Association of Mother–Infant Cytomegalovirus Infection | Italy

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

👨‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Giovanni Nigro began his medical journey with an enduring passion for pediatrics and infectious diseases. Specializing in Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, and Infectious Diseases, he built a multidisciplinary foundation that enabled him to bridge clinical care with research excellence. His academic expertise quickly led him to become a leading figure in pediatric medicine at the University of L’Aquila, Italy, where he served as Director of the Pediatric Unit and School of Pediatrics.

🌍 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Nigro has an international footprint in medical education and research. His visiting professorships at elite institutions—such as St. George’s Hospital Medical School (London), the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control (Stockholm), the Central Public Health Laboratory (London), and the Medical College of Virginia—reflect his global influence and leadership in pediatric infectious diseases. Through lectures and collaborative research, he has mentored countless young professionals and enriched the global pediatric and virology communities.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

A prolific scholar, Prof. Nigro has authored or co-authored over 330 publications, with 74 appearing in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. His research focuses prominently on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, maternal-fetal infections, and pediatric virology. He is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in hyperimmune globulin therapy, antiviral treatments, and CMV disease outcomes. His recent studies, including clinical trials on CMV prevention, have reshaped treatment protocols and improved neonatal health outcomes globally.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Nigro is a highly respected figure in the international medical community. He has served as a referee for prestigious journals such as The Lancet, Journal of Pediatrics, Clinical Infectious Diseases, and Gastroenterology. His contributions are frequently cited in leading textbooks like Harrison’s Internal Medicine, Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, and Remington & Klein’s Infectious Diseases of the Fetus and Newborn Infant, cementing his role as a pioneer in his domain.

💡 Impact and Influence

Prof. Nigro’s influence transcends academia. His clinical insights and translational research have significantly impacted public health policies and therapeutic guidelines for managing congenital CMV. He has been a key collaborator with renowned experts worldwide, from Sweden and the UK to the US and Germany, facilitating international research initiatives that continue to yield global health benefits.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Nigro’s legacy lies in his enduring contributions to pediatric infectious disease management and his role as a mentor and thought leader. With recent impactful publications in Viruses, NEJM, and Clinical Infectious Diseases, he continues to drive forward innovations in antiviral therapies and fetal medicine. His work remains crucial in addressing maternal-fetal health challenges, ensuring a healthier start to life for future generations.

Publications


📄 Foscarnet versus ganciclovir for severe congenital cytomegalovirus infection: Short- and long-term follow-up
Authors: Nigro G, Buzzi M, Catenaro M, Coclite E, Muselli M
Journal: Viruses
Year: 2025


📄 Prevention of congenital cytomegalovirus infection: Review and case series of valaciclovir versus hyperimmune globulin therapy
Authors: Nigro G, Muselli M
Journal: Viruses
Year: 2023


📄 Hyperimmune globulin for congenital cytomegalovirus infection
Author: Nigro G
Journal: The New England Journal of Medicine
Year: 2022


📄Serial Monitoring and Hyperimmunoglobulin versus Standard of Care to Prevent Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Phase III Randomized Trial
Authors: Devlieger R, Buxmann H, Nigro G, et al.
Journal: Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
Year: 2021


📄 High-dose cytomegalovirus (CMV) hyperimmune globulin and maternal CMV DNAemia independently predict infant outcome in pregnant women with a primary CMV infection
Authors: Nigro G, Adler SP; Congenital Cytomegalic Disease Collaborating Group
Journal: Clinical Infectious Diseases
Year: 2020