PhD Studentship - Characterisation of Whipworm Host Defence Peptides: Novel Opportunities for Parasite Control?

Project advert

Host defence peptides (HDPs) are key components of the invertebrate innate immune system where they provide protection against microbial threat. In the context of parasitic helminth infections, worm-derived HDPs may play a critical role in modulating host-parasite-microbiome interactions, particularly in microbe-rich environments such as the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, some helminth derived HDPs are known to have immunomodulatory properties. 

This project will investigate the role of HDPs in Trichuris (whipworm) infection, focussing on T. trichiura, a gastrointestinal parasite that infects 477 million people in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and T. muris, the naturally occurring mouse whipworm, used as a model for human trichuriasis. Trichuriasis is a neglected tropical disease, causing symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal issues to anaemia, growth stunting and rectal prolapse. New preventative strategies (e.g. vaccines) and treatments (e.g. drugs) are required to reduce the disease burden of trichuriasis as current anthelminthic drugs are ineffective.

This project will explore the role of Trichuris derived HDPs during infection; enhanced understanding of which may inform drug/vaccine discovery pipelines for pathogen control.

Project aims and objectives

This project aims to develop an HDP discovery and characterisation pipeline that integrates (i) a peptidomics approach to characterise HDP profiles of Trichuris species across different life cycle stages, (ii) microbiological analyses to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Trichuris-derived HDPs and (iii) develop cell-based assays to investigate whether these HDPs have immunomodulatory properties and/or impact the epigenetic signature of immune cells. 

Funding

The student will be in receipt of a stipend payment; the Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) £20,780 for 2025/26.

Home and Overseas students can apply. Home fees are covered. Eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding.

Specific requirements of the candidate

The student will have undertaken a laboratory-based final year research project and have at least an upper-second class honours in Biomedical Science or a related degree subject.

The student will have previous experience of relevant techniques such as mammalian cell culture, microbiology and bioinformatic data analyses.

The student should be able to evidence the ability to use initiative, creativity, and judgement to develop appropriate approaches to further research.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Rebecca Shears (r.shears@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Biological Science.

You should also submit a cover letter addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how your skills map to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest, and your CV.

You will need to upload your documents in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal.

Applications closing date: 18^th May 2025

Expected start date: October 2025. 

Please quote the reference: SciEng-RS-2025-whipworm-peptides

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