Mechanisms and functional consequences of platelet-macrophage cross-talk

Whilst platelets are well known for their role in blood clotting, more recent studies have revealed they are bona fide immune cells capable of modulating inflammation and immune cell function. As such, inflammation-induced changes in platelet biology can in turn lead to further downstream changes in innate and adaptive immune cells. Macrophages represent a key “professional” immune cell that interacts with platelets. Platelets and monocytes/macrophages develop alongside each other in the bone marrow, circulate together and bind each other in the blood, and macrophages can phagocytose platelets under normal physiological conditions and in inflammation.
In this project, the student will investigate the biological mechanisms by which platelets regulate macrophage development and function. This will utilise in vivo models with well-characterised alterations in platelet numbers and will assess inflammatory systems that induce alterations in platelet biology. This project will provide training in cellular and molecular biology, immune cell function, in vivo experimentation and imaging, and proteomics.
The project will be suitable for a graduate in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology or related subjects with a strong interest in and background knowledge of haematology and/or immunology.