Intestinal immune reactivity of the cell wall fraction of Fusarium Venanatum (ref: RDFC23/HLS/APP/COMMANE)

Aim: To evaluate the immune reactivity and the mechanisms of tolerance that might be associated with the cell wall fraction of Fusarium Venanatum.

Context

The cell wall fraction of F. venanatum comprises relatively well defined 1,3/1,6 beta glucan and chitin fractions, and less well-defined mannoprotein fractions. These elements of the cell wall serve as microbe associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), recognisable by a variety of host immune cell pattern recognition receptors. In infection, these cell wall constituents activate inflammation and an immune response, However, we routinely consume fungal cell wall components, as yeast, mushrooms, or in the case of F. Venanatum, as mycoprotein.

When consumed as food, it is hypothesised that exposure to these MAMPs may help train the immune system, increasing immune surveillance and potentially decreasing inflammatory status.

Further, we have observed that these components of the fungal cell wall selectively, and arguably favourably, modify the activity of the gut microbiome and we hypothesise that these changes in microbiome function also steer the immune system.

In this Quorn / Northumbria fully funded 3-year PhD project we will address the following questions through a combination of in vitro study and human dietary intervention trials.

1.         Do fungal cell wall from F. venanatum elicit an immune response in vitro

2.         Do fungal cell wall components influence intestinal epithelial barrier function.

3.         Are the immune mediating effects of F. venenatum a consequence of gut microbial metabolites arising from the fermentation of the fungal cell wall 

4.         Can F. venanatum be exploited for human health in the context of immune surveillance and/or suppression of inflammatory state.

Impact: this project spans core UK research council priority themes across diet, microbiome, immunity and health. It is anticipated that the work arising will have wide academic interest, it will inform research priorities of our industrial partners and it will equip the student with a broad skill set, to work across these themes.

We seek an enthusiastic student with a background in immunology, nutritional sciences or microbiology. The student will benefit from interdisciplinary supervision in a research rich environment. They will be given training in human tissue culture, dietary intervention study and gut microbial ecology. The student will be expected to develop skills in academic writing, and data analysis, they will be required to present at research meetings and to publish findings of their project.

Eligibility and How to Apply:

Please note eligibility requirement:

•      Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non- UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.

•      Appropriate IELTS score, if required.

•      Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere or if they have previously been awarded a PhD.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: All applications must include a covering letter (up to 1000 words maximum) including why you are interested in this PhD, a summary of the relevant experience you can bring to this project and of your understanding of this subject area with relevant references (beyond the information already provided in the advert). Applications that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDFC21/…) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: 26^th October 2023

Interviews: Mid November

Start Date: 8^th January 2024

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our doctoral students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University hold a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career development of researchers.

Informal enquiries to Dr Daniel Commane [Email Address Removed]

Or Dr Hannah Walden [Email Address Removed]