PhD Studentship: Understanding the Host-Pathogen interaction of PRRS Virus

The main objective of the projects is to study the host-pathogen interaction of PRRSV-1 with the host immune system in pigs. While PRRSV-1 can be resolved by the host before the appearance of neutralising antibodies in blood, a role for the adaptive immune system is envisaged. The approaches to study the host-pathogen interaction of PRRSV-1 shall include the:

• Analysis of the T and B cell repertoire and function induced upon vaccination or PRRSV-1 infection. To this end, the study will:
  • determine the appearance of nAbs
  • utilise B and T cell receptor (BCR/TCR) sequencing in the local secondary lymphoid over time
  • use In vitro systems to demonstrate the functionality of antibodies
  • analyse the T cell receptor and antibody sequences in the secondary lymphoid tissues

• It is envisaged that in silico systems can be used for further analysis of the heterogeneity of T and B cell receptors identified

This project will use multicolour flow cytometry in combination with cell culture, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and scRNA Seq techniques.

Supervisors: Professor Falko Steinbach

Entry requirements

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information.

Starting in April 2025. Later start dates may be possible please contact Professor Falko Steinbach once the deadline passes.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

In addition, you will have to be resident in the UK for at least two, ideally 3 years (at the time of application) to meet the requirement for additional security clearances required to carry out work as part of this project.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Veterinary Medicine and Science PhD programme page, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

In place of a research proposal, you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for and the name of the relevant supervisor.

Funding

Directly and fully funded for this project only.

Funding is for 3 years. UKRI standard stipend – i.e. £19,237 for 2024-25.

Application deadline: 9 February 2025

Enquiries: Contact Professor Falko Steinbach

Ref: PGR-2425-017

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