α-Synuclein–specific T-cell responses as early adaptive immune markers of Parkinson's disease

Overview

Parkinson’s disease develops over many years before motor symptoms become clinically apparent, limiting opportunities for early intervention. Increasing evidence suggests that adaptive immune responses, particularly T cells that recognise α-synuclein, may emerge during at-risk and early stages of disease.

This project will investigate whether α-synuclein–specific T cells are expanded in at-risk individuals and early Parkinson's disease patients, with the goal of identifying early immune changes that may precede clinical disease onset.

Research activities

You can expect to work on a translational immunology project that links human samples with early Parkinson's disease biology. The project will provide practical laboratory training and exposure to clinically relevant research questions, supported by an experienced multidisciplinary team.

You will be involved in:

• working with ethically approved human blood samples from at-risk individuals, early Parkinson's disease patients, and healthy controls
• isolation and processing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• Detection and characterisation of α-synuclein–specific T-cell responses using immunological assays
• immunophenotyping of T-cell subsets and activation markers using flow cytometry
• analysis and interpretation of immune response data with guidance from supervisors
• integration of immunological findings with clinical metadata where appropriate
• preparation of figures, written reports, and contributions to abstracts or manuscripts

You will work closely with a team that includes immunologists, neuroscientists, and clinician collaborators, providing a supportive environment and strong exposure to translational Parkinson's disease research.

Outcomes

The aim of this project is to determine whether α-synuclein–specific T cells are expanded in individuals at risk of Parkinson’s disease and in patients at early stages of the condition. The project will characterise the presence and features of these adaptive immune responses and compare them with healthy control groups.

The expected outcomes include identification of early T-cell immune signatures associated with Parkinson’s disease risk and early diagnosis. This work is expected to improve understanding of how adaptive immunity is involved in the earliest phases of Parkinson’s disease and to provide preliminary evidence supporting α-synuclein–specific T cells as potential blood based immune biomarkers.

Skills and experience

You will need a background in biomedical science, immunology, neuroscience, biotechnology, or a related life science discipline.

Ideally you will have a strong interest in neurodegenerative disease, human immunology, or translational research. Some familiarity with basic laboratory techniques, such as cell handling or data analysis, would be helpful but is not essential.

The most important requirement is motivation and a genuine willingness to learn. You should be curious, organised, and keen to develop new skills while working collaboratively within a research team.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

Explore our research scholarships

Keywords

• prodromal Parkinson’s
• T cells
• Adaptive immunity

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information