Dr A Varelias
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Background
To date, stem cell transplantation (SCT) remains the preferred treatment option for the majority of blood cancers. Chemotherapy/radiation during conditioning damages intestinal epithelium resulting in systemic exposure to microbial products normally sequestered in the intestinal lumen, in addition to a marked cytokine release. We have demonstrated that these microbial products and cytokines modulate graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and thereby transplant outcome. Numerous approaches in the clinic targeting intestinal microbiota to harness GVHD such as gut decontaminating antibiotics, introduction of beneficial bacteria or targeting anaerobic bacteria have been attempted but these have shown varied effects. A greater understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these approaches will inform of new strategies that could be adopted to protect against unrestrained immune activation and GVHD. Recently, we demonstrated that mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, activated in response to engagement with microbial-derived riboflavin derivatives loaded onto MR1 ligands, protected against intestinal acute GVHD.
Aims
The overall aim of this project is to further investigate the host innate immune response and its interaction with intestinal microbiota during homeostasis and in acute GVHD.
Approaches / Techniques
This project is not limited to, but will involve, extensive animal work, flow cytometry, immunological assays, molecular and microbiological techniques.
For more information on this research group: https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/lab/transplant-immunology/
Funding Notes
QIMR Berghofer is offering a limited number of PhD Scholarships for top applicants. For details, eligibility criteria and to apply: http://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/students/university-students/phd-scholarships/
Do not apply for the QIMR Berghofer scholarship without making contact with the supervisor first. Provide an academic CV and transcripts in your introduction email.
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