(MCRC Non-clinical) Mapping CD8+ T cell infiltration and activity in the glioblastoma tumour microenvironment
About the Project
Glioblastoma is the most common type of malignant brain tumour. They are highly aggressive tumours and are generally incurable, with a mean survival time following diagnosis of only 12-18 months. Glioblastomas are viewed as cold tumours with limited T cell infiltration, but positive correlations have been identified between the number of proliferative CD8+ T cells within glioblastoma tumours and survival duration, indicating T cells can contribute towards tumour control. Nevertheless, T cell focussed immunotherapies effective in other tumour-types (such as anti-PDL1 treatment) have been largely ineffective in glioblastoma, for reasons that we still do not fully understand. As such, new treatments for glioblastoma are urgently needed. In this project, the student will investigate the pathways that influence T cell infiltration, compartmentalisation and activity within glioblastoma tumours. The student will work on an interdisciplinary programme of work where they will utilise cutting-edge high-dimensional imaging approaches combined with transcriptional profiling to analyse the location and phenotype of CD8+ T cell populations within the heterogeneous human glioblastoma tumour microenvironment (both within primary and recurrent tumours) and to interrogate the different neoplastic and immune cell populations that CD8+ T cell populations interact with within the tumour. The student will complement these studies with detailed mechanistic investigations using established and translationally relevant in vivo models of glioblastoma to understand the spatial and cellular features that repress T cell protective activities within the tumour microenvironment. This will include analyses of how cancer immunotherapies remodel the glioblastoma tumour landscape to influence CD8+ T cell infiltration, compartmentalisation, cellular communication and functionality within the tumour. Collectively, the project will provide training in cutting edge neuro-oncology methodologies and technologies, and will generate new insights into how to target T cell responses to treat glioblastoma.
Eligibility
You should also hold, or about to obtain, a minimum Upper Second Class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline. A related master’s degree would be an advantage.
International applicants (including EU nationals) must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before contacting potential supervisors to express an interest in their project. Eligibility information can be found on the University's Country Specific information page.
Before you Apply
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How to Apply
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website. On the online application form select MCRC PhD Programme.
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application, please contact our admissions team.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website.
Applications Timeline
Applications open: 11 October 2024
Application deadline: 15 November 2024
Interviews: 17th January 2025
Start date: September 2025
Funding Notes
MCRC - CRUK Manchester Cancer Research Centre Studentship funding is for a duration of four years to commence in September 2025 and covers UK tuition fees and an annual stipend. Funding will cover UK tuition fees and stipend only.
International Candidates
We are able to offer a limited number of bursaries to high-performing EU and international candidates, covering PhD fees only. Bursaries do not include financial support for visa/health surcharges. We asses each EU and international candidate's suitability for a bursary at the application and interview stages.
Open Days
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