Investigating the mechanisms underlying Professional killer cell dysfunction in dengue

Project Code

MRCIIAR25Br Rivino 

Research Theme

Infection, Immunity, Antimicrobial Resistance and Repair

Project Summary Download

Summary

Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus infection now affecting half of the world’s population. There is no cure or broadly protective vaccine for dengue. During viral infection, CD8+ T-cells and NK-cells mediate viral clearance by killing virus-infected cells. This project builds on our recent discoveries of a defective killing capacity of T and NK-cells in severe dengue patients. Bridging immunology and virology, the student will identify host and viral factors driving this immune dysfunction in severe dengue. Studies will be performed on dengue patient samples and in-vitro dengue virus-infected cell lines using cutting-edge immunology/virology techniques in a containment level (CL)-3 laboratory. 

Lead Supervisor

Dr Laura Rivino

Lead Supervisor Email

laura.rivino@bristol.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Bristol