(MRC DTP) Exploring the links between oral inflammation and lung health

Periodontitis is the most chronic common inflammatory disease of humans which, in addition to being prevalent, is a risk factor for a plethora of other inflammatory conditions. Of relevance to the current COVID-19 pandemic crisis, periodontitis has linked to the development of lung inflammation, including pneumonia and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This indicates that periodontitis mediates inflammatory consequences outside of the oral cavity, within the lung. We propose that breakdown of immunological control at the oral barrier leads to an altered immune landscape within the lung and subsquent triggering and/or amplification of life limiting lung inflammatory diseases. In this project we aim to define the inflammatory consequences of periodontitis within the lung environment, generating a better understanding of the systemic effects of periodontitis and potentially informing on the development of novel strategies to treat aberrant lung inflammation.

Supported by a team of supervisors this project will undertake complimentary human and mouse studies utilizing sophisticated transgenic mouse models alongside human tissue samples, to generate unprecedented insight the immunological cross-talk between the mouth and the lung. This interdisciplinary project will employ approaches from the fields of immunology, microbiology, bioinformatics and translational medicine and provide comprehensive training in cutting-edge techniques including multicolour flow-cytometry, genome-wide transcriptional profiling, bacterial metagenomics and 16S sequencing. The data generated from this project may reveal new therapeutic options for lung inflammatory diseases and potentially indicate that oral health parameters could be employed to support patient stratification and personalized, precision medicine. Moreover, this work will identify the effects of periodontitis on lung immune responses, building a platform for future work more broadly exploring the immunological connections between the mouth and lung.


https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/research/domains/infection-immunity-inflammation-repair/immunology/

https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/john.grainger-2.html

https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/joanne.konkel.html

Entry Requirements:
Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

UK applicants interested in this project should make direct contact with the Primary Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible. International applicants (including EU nationals) must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English Language) as outlined before contacting potential supervisors to express an interest in their project. Eligibility can be checked via the University Country Specific information page (https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/).

If your country is not listed you must contact the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team providing a detailed CV (to include academic qualifications – stating degree classification(s) and dates awarded) and relevant transcripts.

Following the review of your qualifications and with support from potential supervisor(s), you will be informed whether you can submit a formal online application.

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on how to apply can be found on the MRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) website www.manchester.ac.uk/mrcdtpstudentships