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 | Since 2022, a global outbreak of mpox, caused by MPXV (formerly monkeypox virus) infection, casued cases reported beyond the African continent. Currently, cases have been increasing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A new strain of the virus, called Clade Ib, is causing outbreaks in previously unaffected areas of the country and has spread to countries that had not previously reported mpox. How the virus disseminates within an infected person and which cell types it infects during systemic infection is largely unexplored in humans. Our team's functional and sequencing data suggest that MPXV infects human circulating immune cells and thereby reaches different body compartments, but the exact target cell type and corresponding immune responses induced upon infection remain unclear. The proposed project is about an in depth characterization of the cell type-specific tropism of MPXV infection and cellular gene expression programs being induced by productive and/or abortive infection, the identification and advancement of antiviral molecules and factors inhibiting MPXV infection, and clade-specific aspects of MPXV infection. Results have the potential to illuminate the intra-host propagation of MPXV that may involve a lymphohematogenic route, and advance precentive and therapeutic options for this newly emerging viral infection. |
| Where does this project lie in the translational pathway? | T1 - Basic Research,T2 - Human /Clinical Research |
| Methodological Aspects | 1. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) (quantitative) 2. CL3 work 3. Single cell RNA-sequencing (quantitative) 4. Isolation and culture of human primary cells 5. Gene editing in cells 6. Statistical analyses (quantitative) 7. Bioinformatics (quantitative) |
| Expected Outputs | Publications as well as proof-of-concept data to support grant applications for further research towards epidemic preparedness and therapy strategies, conference abstracts. |
| Training Opportunities | Hands-on training in all above-mentioned methods by experienced members of the group. Furthermore, the student will be encouraged to learn additional methods beneficial to the project in the context of collaborations, and will have full access to soft skills trainings (time management, communication, presentation etc.). They will also be given opportunities to attend national and international conferences to present their work. |
| Skills Required | Background in virology and/or immunology is desirable but not a must. Interest in conducting fundamental research in order to contribute to close a clinical knowledge gap (prevention and therapy of Mpox). Scientific curiosity and strong decision-making skills. |
| Subject Areas | Neglected Tropical Diseases |
| Key Publications associated with this project |