Developing patient derived tumour organoids to understand and improve anti-tumour T cell responses.

Lead Institute / Faculty: Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton

Main Supervisor:   ​Dr Emma Reeves

Other members of the supervisory team: Professor Edd James

Duration of the award:  36 months

Start date: 22/09/25

Closing date: 16/04/25

Shortlisting by: 30/04/25

Interview Panel Date: 21/05/25 

Project description:

CD8+ T cells are fundamental in immune surveillance for recognition and destruction of tumour cells, by detecting tumour-specific antigens displayed at the cell surface on Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (MHC I). Effective T cell targeting of tumours relies on a tightly regulated and effective antigen processing and presentation (APP) pathway, which often becomes defective during tumour evolution. The loss of MHC I is a common feature of many tumours, influencing the level and function of T cells and response to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. However, the defects in APP, and how they influence anti-tumour responses, remain poorly understood.

Through establishment and generation of patient-derived tumour organoids (PDO) and T cell co-culture systems, this project aims to investigate the influence of defects in antigen processing and presentation on anti-tumour CD8+ T cell responses, extending these findings to therapeutic modulation of this pathway for improving immunotherapy efficiacy.

The student will be embedded in the Antigen Processing and Presentation Group situated within the Centre for Cancer Immunology, being part of a multidisciplinary environment with close links to NHS University Hospital Southampton and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The student will receive training and guidance on the relevant experimental systems, data analysis as well as professional and careers development throughout the candidature.

The successful candidate is likely to have the following qualifications:

• A 1^stor 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline and/or second degree with a related Masters.

Administrative contact and how to apply:

Please complete the University’s online application form, which you can find at

Login to online application form

You should enter Dr. Emma Reeves as your proposed supervisor. To support your application provide an academic CV (including contact details of two referees), official academic transcripts and a personal statement (outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date).

Informal enquiries relating to the project or candidate suitability should be directed to Dr. Emma Reeves ([email protected]).