College/MRC studentship
Insights into the mechanisms used by iNKT cells to prevent graft versus host disease (GVHD)

Lead Supervisor: Dr Nick Jones

Institute: University of Birmingham, School of Immunity & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences
Project duration: 3 years 
Funded by: College and MRC
Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship within a multidisciplinary and integrative research team.
GVHD is a common side-effect following allogeneic HSC transplantation and is a major cause of mortality and morbidity amongst the 30,000 recipients transplanted annually, worldwide. GVHD is mediated by donor T cells within the haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant however the same cells maximise the graft versus tumour effect of the treatment. Therefore, medications to treat GVHD can increase susceptibility to tumour relapse (in addition to opportunistic infections). Recently it has been shown that iNKT cells can prevent GVHD without affecting anti-tumour immunity in experimental models and that increased numbers of iNKT cells in the transplant have been found to correlate with decreased severity/incidence of GVHD in humans. Taken together these studies suggest that iNKT cells may be a potent cell therapy to prevent acuteGVHD in HSC transplant recipients however the mechanisms by which iNKT cell control GVHD remain unclear.

The proposed studies will determine whether the specific activation of iNKT cells with glycolipids will enhance protection from GVHD. Furthermore, a new model of GVHD will be generated that will allow a detailed examination of how iNKT cells may facilitate donor T cell tolerance to the recipient. The project will involve the isolation, manipulation and analysis of immune cells in vitro and ex vivo using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, gene and protein expression analysis as well as the use of sophisticated in vivo models that allow the visualisation of both iNKT and conventional T cell responses following HSCtransplantation.

Person Specification
Applicants should have a strong background in immunology. They should have a commitment to research into immunomodulatory cells and the induction of tolerance and hold or realistically expect to obtain at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject. 
This position is fully funded for university fees and a stipend at standard RCUK rate (for an October 2014 start).

How to apply
Enquiries or applications including a CV, names and addresses of two referees and a covering letter should be sent to Nicola Windridge, Research and Knowledge Transfer Office, Institute of Biomedical Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT or email n.j.windridge@bham.ac.uk 
The closing date is Monday 13th January 2014

Job details

Employer:University of Birmingham

Website:http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/u...

Location:Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Expires:January 13, 2014

Job type:PhD Studentship

Salary:Unspecified

Qualifications:Postgraduate - Master's degree

Employment type:Temporary

Job hours:Full-time

www.nature.com