Project Code
MRCIIAR26Ca McLaren
Project Type
Wet lab
Research Theme
Infection, Immunity, Antimicrobial Resistance and Repair
Project Summary Download
Summary
The human tonsils are crucial for producing neutralizing antibodies against infection yet are a breeding ground for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) which causes localized illnesses (tonsillitis) but also life-threatening, invasive infections (>500,000 global deaths/year). Children prone to recurrent tonsillitis generate poor levels of neutralizing antibodies but the reasons why are unclear. Natural killer (NK) cells, immune cells that are typically protective, can suppress antibody production in lymphoid organs during virus infections. The student will examine if NK cells are functionally altered in children with recurrent GAS-associated tonsillitis, whilst identifying if and how tonsillar NK cells mediate impaired, GAS-specific antibody production.
Lead Supervisor
Dr James McLaren
Lead Supervisor Email
University Affiliation
Cardiff