Institution: | University of Queensland |
Term: | 3 years |
Keyword Names: |
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Line 1: | University of Queensland |
City: | Brisbane |
Country: | Australia |
PROJECT TITLE
Immune regulation through bi-directional interactions between subsets of Natural Killer cells and Dendritic cells.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
This project will investigate interactions between two immune cell types: natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DCs). NK cells play an essential role in the early detection of infections or malignant transformation while DCs initiate and direct immune responses. Evidence for bi-directional interactions between NK cells and DCs has been provided in the early 2000s. Since then, our knowledge of NK cell and DC diversity has considerably increased.NK cells and DCs can no longer be considered as homogenous populations up to 30,000 phenotypic populations identified by mass cytometry in one individual[1] while four main human DC subsets have been described: monocyte-derived DCs, plasmacytoid DCs and type 1 and 2 conventional DCs [2].
Currently, we don’t know which NK subset(s) interact with which DCsubset(s).This project aimsto provide a better understanding of the crosstalk between distinct NK cell and DC subsets. Specific interactions between human cell subsets in response to different stimuli will be investigated in vitroand in vivo. The candidate will have access to state-of-the-arttechnology including high-parameter flow cytometry (BD Fortessa and BD FACSymphony analysers) as well as cutting-edge humanised mouse models [3, 4].By addressing an important knowledge gap in the field, this project will lay the foundation for preclinical research in a wide range of pathologies including cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders.
SCHOLARSHIP
The candidate will be enrolled in thePhD program at the University of Queensland and will receive a UQ PhD Scholarship. Stipend is valued at$28kper annum for 3years. https://future-students.uq.edu.au/study/programs/doctor-philosophy-7501?year=2020
THE TEAM
The project will be performed in the Cancer Immunotherapies laboratory at Mater Research, located at the Translational Research Institute in Brisbane.Our laboratory is composed of 3 postdoctoral fellows, 1 research assistant and 1 PhD student. You will be directly supervised by Dr Camille Guillerey. We have extensive expertise in dendritic cell research [3-6] and NK cell research [7-10]. In addition, we have developed a unique preclinical model called humanised mice which allow the study of human immune cell interactions in vivo [3, 4]. Our group has an interest in cancer immunotherapies, and more particularly childhood leukaemia. We aim to provide a better understanding of immune responses to cancer and to translate it into new therapies for cancer patients.
REQUIREMENTS
Please note that due to current travel restrictions, we will only accept candidates (Australian and international) who are currently in Australia. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’sor equivalent science or medicine degree with first-class Honours, and/or a distinction in a research Masters degree in a relevant discipline (e.g.Immunology, cell biology).
The candidate should have:
CONTACT
If you are interested, please send your CV and cover letter to camille.guillerey@mater.uq.edu.au
REFERENCES