The use of Precision Cut Lung Slices to investigate the effect of the Human Rhinovirus on cough and airway inflammation

To celebrate the University's research successes, the University of Hull is offering this project supported by a full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarship or International Fees Bursary. It is one of a cluster of projects available as part of a significant investment into clinical research in cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic medicine at Hull York Medical School's Hull campus.

Closing date: - 29th February 2016.
Studentships will start on 26th September 2016
Supervisor: Dr Laura Sadofsky (contact [Email Address Removed]) with Dr Chris Cawthorne

The human Rhinovirus (RV) is the major cause of the common cold. There are no current treatments or vaccines for the virus other than over the counter preparations to alleviate symptoms. For most people, RV infection will resolve without the need for medical intervention, however for some individuals complications can occur. These can include the post viral cough leading to a chronic cough and for those who already have chronic lung diseases such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a RV infection is one of the leading causes of exacerbations. Additionally, RV may lead to other respiratory infections including pneumonia in susceptible individuals.

There are thought to be over 100 different RV serotypes making it difficult to produce a vaccine. In addition, like most respiratory diseases or infections, there is a lack of effective preclinical models, making drug development difficult. There is no known mouse or guinea pig RV so studies have been limited to infecting human volunteers.

The aim of the current research project is to develop the Precision Cut Lung Slice (PCLS) lab-on-a-chip model (in collaboration with Chemistry) using human tissue to investigate the RV and its role in post viral cough and airways inflammation. Over the first year the PCLS model will be developed and infection of tissue will be perfected and characterised. Over the second and third year the student will investigate the effect of RV on the tissue and its secretions. We hypothesise that RV infection will alter expression of channels and receptors which we have shown to be involved in cough and airway inflammation, causing the lung tissue to become hyper responsive to bronchoconstrictive agents. This work will develop a more realistic model to study how RV causes cough and exacerbations in those already suffering from inflammatory airways diseases and it is hoped that this information can be used to develop novel therapies.

To apply for this post please click on the Apply button below.

In order to qualify for this scholarship you will require an undergraduate degree with at least a 2.1, or equivalent in a relevant subject.
Full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarships will include fees at the ‘home/EU' student rate and maintenance (£14,057 in 2015/16) for three years, dependent on satisfactory progress.

Full-time International PhD Fee Bursaries will include full fees at the International student rate for three years, dependent on satisfactory progress.
PhD students at Hull York Medical School follow modules for research and transferable skills development and gain a Masters level Certificate, or Diploma, in Research Training, in addition to their research degree.

Successful applicants will be informed of the award as soon as possible and by 30th April 2016 at the latest.