B cells are a crucial element of adaptive immunity by producing antibodies to neutralise invading pathogens. B cells must interact with and internalise (endocytose) antigens, which they process and present to T cells, to receive survival and differentiation signals. Understanding this process allow us to alter B cell activation and antigen presentation, with direct implications for vaccine design and B cell malignancies. We have identified a novel role for a Pellino1 E3 ubiquitin ligase in B cell activation. Ubiquitination is a crucial protein modification which can modulate protein-protein interactions, signalling cascade, and protein degradation. Interestingly, Pellino1 is the first example of a negative regulator of antigen uptake, and its deletion in primary B cells severely reduced their ability to respond to immunisation. Its role in B cells is unknown and this project aims to investigate how Pellino1 regulates B cell activation, antigen presentation, germinal centre responses and antibody production. The project likely involves flow cytometry, proteomics and molecular biology, including CRISPR, and in vitro and in vivo immune cell function assays. It would suit candidates interested in immunology, cell biology and genetic engineering.
Funding eligibility: ROI (and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled) status may be eligible for funding. Please review the DfE T&C’s.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must hold or expect to get an upper second class honours degree from a university in the UK or Ireland, or qualifications and experience considered by the University as equivalent to that standard. Candidates who already hold a doctoral degree, or who have registered on a PhD for one year (or part-time equivalent) or not eligible.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
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