PhD Studentship: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases - Towards an Innovative, Alternative Therapy using Helminth Infections or Helminth Derived Products

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:

• Obj. 1. In NK-controlled experimental settings
• Obj. 2. In secondary infection experimental settings

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:

• Essential: BSc in Biology with a 2.1 degree minimum, preferably in a field related to immunology or parasitology.
• Desirable: MSc / MRes in Biology (immunology and/or parasitology).

Skills:

• Essential: ability to undertake research by preparing, setting up, conducting, and recording the outcome of experiments and/or field work.
• Essential: ability to use initiative, creativity, and judgement to develop appropriate approaches in order to further research.
• Essential: possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge to work within an established research team.
• Desirable: previous experience of flow cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry and with antibody staining.
• Desirable: experience of prioritising work independently and as part of a team in order to deliver individual and team objectives.

Knowledge:

• Essential: knowledge in either immunology (innate and adaptive immunity) or in parasitology (especially helminth infections).
• Desirable: knowledge in both above fields.

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: 14^th 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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