Supervisors

- Position
- Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology
- Division / Faculty
- Faculty of Health
External supervisors
- Dr Michelle Boyle (QIMR-B)
Overview
The lifelong viral infection cytomegalovirus (CMV) has broad influence on the human immune system. Some studies in young adults have suggested that these CMV mediated changes can enhance responsiveness to vaccination and infection. How CMV infection impacts immunity to malaria parasites is unknown.
This project will leverage previous experimental human malaria infection trials to investigate whether CMV infection modifies innate and adaptive immune responses following malaria.
Aims
- Investigate whether CMV infection impacts innate immune responses (monocytes, DCs, gamma delta cells and NK cells) to malaria parasites in vitro and ex vivo following experimental human malaria infection.
- Identify the impact of CMV infection on the development of parasite specific adaptive immunity (CD4 T cells and antibodies), following experimental human malaria infection.
Research activities
You will learn advanced human immunology techniques. Core skills developed will include spectral flow cytometry, R, and human immune systems analysis.
Outcomes
This project will identify the impact of CMV on malaria innate and adaptive immunity. Data will contribute to future publications from the research group.
Skills and experience
You should have a strong interest in human immunology and infectious diseases. Experience in flow cytometry and R highly advantageous but not required.
Scholarships
You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.
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Keywords
Contact
Contact the supervisor for more information.