Understanding the Host-Pathogen interaction of PRRS Virus

While in vitro models of PRRSV-1 infection have made progress, further understanding is required to understand the complex nature of this syndromic disease in vivo through systems immunology approaches experimental studies. An intriguing feature of PRRS is the late appearance of neutralising antibodies – occasionally long after the infection has been cleared. This emphasises the dominant role of the innate immune system and T cells in the host immune response against PRRSV, which are not fully understood

The main objective of the project 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. 

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

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

Additionally you will have to be a 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.