Qualification Type: | PhD |
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Location: | Manchester |
Funding for: | UK Students, EU Students, International Students |
Funding amount: | £19,237 |
Hours: | Full Time |
Placed On: | 23rd September 2024 |
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Closes: | 14th October 2024 |
Reference: | 115150-15 |
This project provides an annual stipend of £19,237
Project advert
Parasitic worms (helminths) are the most common infectious agents worldwide. Mass deworming treatments aiming to stop the infection spread and control morbidity of those diseases are currently ongoing in endemic countries. However, it has been shown that helminth infections, through their immune-regulatory mechanisms, are epidemiologically associated with lower incidence of metabolic and autoimmune inflammatory disorders. Eradicating helminth infections may increase immune disorders. Natural killer (NK) cells are immune cells responsible for maintaining the liver homeostasis. It has been reported that these cells expand following helminth infection and that the infection prevented early signs of liver dysfunction. This aims to investigate hepatic NK cell sub-populations dynamics during helminth infection and identify potential regulatory mechanisms the worms exercise on liver cells. Identifying the signals sent from the worms and that lead to liver protection would help the development of new therapies where worm-derived molecules or drugs could be used to treat populations suffering from immune disorders.
Project aims and objectives
This project is articulated around 3 aims:
Aim 1 - Characterize the liver immune cell populations dynamics and NK cell activation phenotypes in well-characterized experimental schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis helminth infection models:
Aim 2 – Investigate the potential for helminth excreted/secreted (E/S) molecules to impact host immune cell phenotypes and activation.
Aim 3 – Characterize the NK cell populations dynamics during other experimental helminth infection of interest.
Specific requirements of the candidate
Qualifications:
Skills:
Knowledge:
How to apply
Interested applicants should contact Dr Nicolas Pionnier (n.pionnier@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.
To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Immunoparasitology in the department of Life Sciences (or download the PGR application form).
You should also complete a Narrative CV. The personal statement in the application form along with the CV should address how the skills you have map to the area of research, why you wish to conduct a PhD and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.
If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.
Closing date: 14th October 2024. Expected start date: January 2025 for Home students and April 2025 for International students.
Please quote the reference: SciEng-2024-Fatty-Liver-Diseases
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