This PhD opportunity is being offered as part of the LSTM and Lancaster University Doctoral Training Partnership. Find out more about the studentships and how to apply.
| Abstract | Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are potent biological drugs that can be engineered to target emerging infectious diseases. Gene-based mAb delivery using plasmid DNA, mRNA, or viral vector (adeno-associated vector/AAV) are emerging as strategies to overcome the limitations of recombinant mAb biologics and to improve global accessibility. Immunoglobulin heavy and light chains can be encoded in gene-based platforms and delivered directly to muscle or systemically, taking advantage of host-cell machinery to express biologically active and protective mAbs. However, achieving sufficient serum trough levels is an important challenge irrespective of platform. This project will focus on skeletal muscle delivery of gene-based antibodies and modulation of ER chaperones and transcription factors to overcome this threshold. We will dissect sequence specific attributes and utilise new fluorescent tracking designs, paired with molecular biology techniques and microscopy to study protein-protein interactions that influence gene-encoded antibody expression using in vitro and in vivo models. This information will be used to design and enhance in vivo delivery of gene-based monoclonal antibodies against respiratory pathogens and tropical infectious diseases. |
| 8. Where does this project lie in the translational pathway? | T1 – Basic Research |
| Methodological aspects | • Molecular biology • Immune assays • Virology assays • Animal handling • Microscopy • Data analysis |
| Expected outputs | • Proficiency in assays • Publications • Research presentations • Data to support future grant applications |
| Training opportunities | Seminars, conferences, manuscript preparation, presenting to collaborators, additional courses. |
| Skills required | • Molecular cell biology basics • Virology and immunology understanding • Introductory lab skills • Comfortable with animal handling • Inquisitive and detail-oriented |
| Key publications | Tebas et al Nature Medicine 2025, PMID: 41120767 Eisenhauer et al Frontiers in Immunology 2025, PMID: 40821801 Helble et al Molecular Therapy 2025, PMID: 36202799 Patel Rosenke et al Emerging Host & Microbes 2024, PMID: 38165394 Parzych et al Nature Communications 2022, PMID: 36202799 |