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Writer's pictureCREATE PhD Programme

African PhD Fellowship in The Gambia - applications open

A PhD fellowship opportunity is now open, at the MRC Unit in The Gambia, with a closing date of the 30th November 2024. Contact Ed Clarke (Ed.Clarke@lshtm.ac.uk) or Martin Goodier (Martin.Goodier@lshtm.ac.uk) for more information or any questions.

Project Title:

Exploring the immunological basis for fractional dose yellow fever vaccination by the intradermal and sub-cutaneous routes

Supervisors:

Professor Ed Clarke and Doctor Martin Goodier

Project Overview:

Low or sustained doses of antigens have been shown to influence T cell and B cell antibody repertoires in animal models, affecting both the magnitude and diversity of the immune response. However, there is a scarcity of studies in humans that explore how varying antigen doses modulate these immune responses, particularly in the context of vaccination.

Recently, a new study focusing on the impact of fractional doses of the yellow fever vaccine on protective antibody levels has received approval at the Medical Research Council (MRC). This study presents a unique opportunity to extend the investigation beyond antibody titers to include a detailed analysis of T cell subsets that support antibody production, as well as the impact of lower antigen doses on the diversity and specificity of the B cell response.

Research Aim:

This project aims to characterize the T cell and B cell responses induced by fractional doses of the yellow fever vaccine, providing insights into how reduced antigen exposure influences immune memory and protection. Specifically, the study will investigate:

v The effect of fractional dosing on the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of T cell subsets, including follicular CD4+ helper T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells.

v The impact of fractional dosing on the diversity and specificity of the B cell antibody repertoire, including memory B cell formation and the generation of long-lived plasma cells.

Research Context:

The immunology and flow cytometry facilities at the MRC Unit in The Gambia are equipped with state-of-the-art technology necessary to perform a detailed analysis of vaccine-induced T and B cell responses. The facility’s capabilities, including high-parameter flow cytometry and single-cell sorting, will be integral to the successful execution of this project.

The PhD student will be registered with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Requirements:

·       Masters level qualification in immunology or a closely related biomedical science area.

·       Strong baseline knowledge of vaccine immunology and of the basis for the serological responses to vaccination.

·       Excellent professional written and spoken English

·       Commitment to supportive multi-disciplinary team working and to MRC Unit the Gambia Equity, Diversity and Inclusion goals.

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