About the Project
Influenza virus is one of the most common pathogens that is associated with viral pneumonia in children and adults. Seasonal influenza infections represent an ongoing global threat with the potential emergence of pandemic strains with high mortality rates. While the development of effective vaccines are the ideal solution to this, therapeutic options to treat influenza infection are limited, and new treatments for this virus are urgently required.
Host defence peptides, also known as antimicrobial peptides, are important molecules that form part of the innate immune response to infection. We and others have shown that they possess powerful antiviral and immunomodulatory activity, and they are able to alter host cell responses to viral infection. As such, they represent an exciting opportunity for therapeutic development in the context of modulating the host cell response to influenza infection.
This project will investigate the potential for synthetic therapeutic derivatives of naturally occurring host defence peptides to be used as therapeutics against influenza virus infection.
Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in Biomedical Science or Microbiology with a good fundamental knowledge of host pathogen interactions and molecular biology.
English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.
Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamental laboratory skills and cell/pathogen culture
• Competent in protein analysis and PCR
• Knowledge of mediators of innate immunity
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management
Desirable attributes:
Virus handling experience, confocal microscopy
When applying for this position please quote project ID SAS0012.
References
Sousa, F.H., Casanova, V., Findlay, F., Stevens, C., Svoboda, P., Pohl, J., Proudfoot, L. and Barlow, P.G. (2017) Cathelicidins display conserved direct antiviral activity towards rhinovirus. Peptides. 95: 76-83.
Sousa, F.H., Casanova, V., Stevens, C. and Barlow, P.G. (2016) Antiviral host defense peptides. In Host Defence Peptides and Their Potential As Therapeutic Agents. R.M. Epand (Ed) Springer-Verlag Inc, Heidelberg.
Barlow, P.G., Findlay, E.G., Currie, S.M. and Davidson, D.J. (2014) Antiviral properties of cathelicidins. Future Microbiology. 9(1), 55-73.
Barlow, P.G., Svoboda, P., Mackellar, A., Nash, A.A., York, I.A., Pohl, J., Davidson, D.J. and Donis, R.O. (2011) Antiviral activity and increased host defense against influenza infection elicited by the human cathelicidin LL-37. PLoS One. 6(10): e25.333
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