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 | Vaccines have transformed modern medicine and global health. Multivalent vaccines are important strategies to target multiple antigens on a pathogen or combine targeting of multiple pathogens within a single formulation. Examples include the MMR vaccine, influenza vaccines, pneumococcal vaccines, and bivalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. However, antigen interference or competition has been observed across various vaccine platforms and careful titration is necessary for successful multivalent formulation. This project will focus on addressing knowledge gaps in our understanding of antigen delivery and presentation at the cellular level (site of vaccine injection), local immune sites, and how this impacts long-term immunity. We will take advantage of updated barcoding designs, microscopy techniques, and spectral flow cytometry to understand antigen co-delivery. This information will be used to design updated multivalent DNA and mRNA vaccines against respiratory viral pathogens such as influenza, coronaviruses, and tropical infectious diseases. |
| 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 | Gary, Trachtman et al Frontiers in Immunology 2025, in press Tursi et al Cell Reports Med 2025, PMID: 40120578 Patel, Walters, Reuschel et al Cell Reports Med 2021, PMID: 3460481804818 Smith, Patel, Ramos et al Nature Communications 2020, PMID: 32433465 Patel et al Journal of Infectious Diseases 2019, PMID: 30304515 |