MSc by Research: Immunomodulation by secreted proteins of helminth parasites

Parasitic helminths (worms) are master manipulators of the immune system: they secrete multiple proteins which interact with cells and cytokines of the immune response, inhibiting or skewing the response towards an outcome more favourable to them. Recent work from our lab and others has identified multiple secreted proteins which act to alter the immune system. These proteins include HpARI, which binds and modulates the cytokine IL-33, HpBARI, which binds and blocks the IL-33 receptor ST2, and Hp-TGM, which binds and activates the host TGF-beta receptor. HpARI, HpBARI and HpTGM are all members of multi-gene families, each of which have different effects on their targets. These activities are insufficiently characterized, and the role of these proteins in infection are still unclear.  

There are also multiple further immunomodulatory activities identifiable in parasite secretions which have not been paired to an individual defined protein. We aim to identify further immunomodulatory proteins from helminth parasites, which have the potential to modulate immune responses in immune-mediated disease, and could act as vaccine antigens against parasite infections.  

In this project, we will use proteomic analysis of parasite secretions, recombinant mammalian cell expression of candidate proteins, in vitro immunological assays and protein-protein interaction assays to further characterize the activities of known and novel parasite immunomodulatory proteins.  

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.

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Life Sciences MSc by Research MSc by Research (Postgraduate) : Study : University of Dundee

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