Immunotherapy: Manipulating T cell metabolism to improve anti-tumour immunity

The induction of immune responses to tumours can provide long-lasting protection from cancer. In this regard, T cells can suppress tumour growth by directly killing cancer cells and by producing inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, advances in immunotherapy have shown the adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of tumour-reactive T cells to be a successful approach to the treatment of cancer. However, in many individuals the T cell response to cancer is ineffective. It has become apparent that the processes of T cell activation and differentiation are linked to the regulation of basic metabolic pathways. These pathways provide energy required for growth, proliferation and effector functions. Dysregulation of cellular metabolism has been linked to the failure of anti-tumour T cell responses. Therefore, a greater understanding of the key pathways and regulators of T cell metabolism has the potential to define new therapeutic targets and approaches to manipulate T cell responses in the clinic. The primary supervisor’s research team has determined that a mitochondrial metabolic enzyme, PEPCK2, plays an important role in the differentiation and effector function of inflammatory CD8+ and CD4+ T cells.

Objectives:

This project will build upon initial findings to:

1. Determine the impact of pharmacological and genetic inhibition of PEPCK2, and the related PEPCK1, on mouse T cell activation, differentiation and effector function
2. Investigate the role of PEPCKs in T cell metabolism
3. Determine how manipulation of PEPCK2 expression might be harnessed to improve the efficacy of anti-tumour T cell responses using in vivo mouse models

This project is available as part of the International PhD Academy: Medical Research

Eligibility:

You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.

Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Medicine and Health minimum requirements are:

• British Council IELTS - score of 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.5
• TOEFL iBT - overall score of 100 with the listening and reading element no less than 22, writing element no less than 23 and the speaking element no less than 24.

How to apply:

Applications can be made at any time. To apply for this project applicants should complete an online application form and submit this alongside a full academic CV, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) and degree certificates. Please make it clear in the research information section that you are applying for the International PhD Academy: Medical Research, as well as the title of the project you wish to be considered for.

We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these references on your behalf, directly to [Email Address Removed]

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to [Email Address Removed]