Elucidating genetic and immune signatures of severe dengue

Project Code

MRCIIAR26Br Rivino

Project Type

This project is cross-disciplinary and includes both wet and dry lab work (approx 60% wet lab and 40% dry lab).

Research Theme

Infection, Immunity, Antimicrobial Resistance and Repair

Project Summary Download

Summary

Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus infection spreading globally for which there is no cure. It remains unclear why some people develop severe disease from dengue infection, while others have only mild symptoms. Genetic variations in two specific genes -important for the function of Natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells- are linked with susceptibility to developing severe dengue. Using immunology and genetic approaches, you will investigate how these genetic variations affect immune cells and whether these defects are causal for severe dengue. You will perform cutting-edge immunology and genetic epidemiology methodologies and work in containment level-2 and level-3 laboratories.

Lead Supervisor

Dr Laura Rivino

Lead Supervisor Email

laura.rivino@bristol.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Bristol