About the project
As a researcher on this project, you will characterise a specific gamma-delta T cell population, called Vδ1 T cells, that is important in human tuberculosis (TB).
Tuberculosis (TB), is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and remains a leading cause of death worldwide. BCG is the only licenced vaccine but has poor effectiveness. Current TB vaccine strategies have focussed on targeting “conventional” immune cells called T cells with limited success.
Humans and non-human primates (NHPs) have diverse groups of “unconventional” immune cells such as gamma-delta T cells that are poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that unconventional populations play a vital role in the immune response in human TB. The impact of these T cell populations in TB and the receptors that trigger these T cell responses remain elusive.
You will characterise a specific gamma-delta T cell population that has been identified as important in human TB, called Vδ1 T cells, in NHPs. You will determine if this population has a role in protection against infection. You will also investigate the role of a group of receptors called CD1, in driving Vδ1 T cell responses. The functional impact of these T cells in TB will then be investigated using novel methodology. This will include an innovative 3-dimensional cell culture system that more closely resembles what happens in patients.
You will develop expertise in the following skills:
- molecular cloning
- protein biochemistry
- flow cytometry
- T cell biology
- in vitro and in vivo infection models
- advanced 3D cell culture models
This interdisciplinary approach, linking expertise at the University of Southampton and scientists at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) may help inform future TB vaccines to tackle the ongoing pandemic.
