Unveiling novel interactions between the human complement system and pathogenic Neisseria
- Funding
- Self-funded
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Part-time
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- Start date
- Subject area
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a designated 'superbug' responsible for the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhoea, represent critical public health threats. Despite advances in vaccination, meningococcal infections are on the rise, prompting health advisories from the CDC. The global surge in gonococcal infections, and increased antimicrobial resistance to last-line treatments, has led to both the WHO and CDC to classify N. gonorrhoeae as a high-priority pathogen. Understanding the immune evasion strategies of Neisseria is paramount for the design of novel drug and vaccine interventions
Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a designated ‘superbug’ responsible for the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhoea, represent critical public health threats. Despite advances in vaccination, meningococcal infections are on the rise, prompting health advisories from the CDC. The global surge in gonococcal infections, and increased antimicrobial resistance to last-line treatments, has led to both the WHO and CDC to classify N. gonorrhoeae as a high-priority pathogen. Understanding the immune evasion strategies of Neisseria is paramount for the design of novel drug and vaccine interventions
Research Aim:
This PhD project seeks to dissect the molecular mechanisms that Neisseria spp. use to manipulate the host immune system, focusing specifically on the interactions of the Factor H-Related Proteins (FHRs) a component of the human complement system—an essential first line of defence against infections. This study will delve into how FHRs modulate complement activation and how their interactions with Neisseria contribute to disease progression.
Scientific Significance:
Our recent discoveries have shown that FHRs act as antagonists of Factor H (FH), a key negative regulator of complement activity. Recruitment of FHRs allows for “fine-tuning” of the immune response on the bacterial surface. FHRs play a pivotal role in infection outcomes, yet their full impact on Neisseria pathogenesis remains underexplored. Uncovering the molecular interactions between FHRs and Neisseria could lead to novel therapeutic targets that disrupt this immune manipulation, offering potential breakthroughs in combating both meningococcal and gonococcal infections.
Key Objectives:
Research Approach:
The project will utilise a multidisciplinary approach, integrating microbiology, cell biology, and biochemistry, alongside both in vitro and in vivo infection models. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of Neisseria’s immune evasion strategies, from molecular binding events to the broader implications on infection and disease progression.
Training and Skill Development:
As part of this PhD, you will receive extensive training in bacterial pathogenesis, immune evasion, and complement biology, gaining hands-on experience with both laboratory-based techniques and in vivo infection models. You will become adept at investigating host-pathogen interactions, building a versatile skill set that is directly applicable to fields like infectious disease research, immunology, and molecular biology.
Impact:
This research has the potential to uncover novel immune evasion mechanisms employed by Neisseria, informing the design of next-generation vaccines or therapeutic interventions. By deepening our understanding of how pathogens exploit host immune regulators, this project could open the door to new strategies for tackling the rising threat of antibiotic-resistant infections.
This project is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact research at the intersection of microbiology, immunology, and infectious disease, to combat bacterial infections.
Yee WX, Tang CM, Lavender H. Pathogenic Neisseria Bind the Complement Protein CFHR5 via Outer Membrane Porins. Infect Immun. 2022;90(10):e0037722.
Lavender H*, Caesar JJ*, Ward PN*, Exley RM, Eaton J, Chittock E, Malik TH, Goiecoechea De Jorge E, Pickering MC, Tang CM, Lea SM. Competition between antagonistic complement factors for a single protein on N. meningitidis rules disease susceptibility. Elife. 2014;3.
The applicant should have an interest in basic biology and immunology research and hold a minimum undergraduate qualification 2:1, or equivalent, in a life science or health-related subject.
Please email your CV and cover letter to the primary supervisor, Dr Hayley Lavender, in the first instance Hayley.lavender@liverpool.ac.uk
You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £5,005
Part-time place, per year - £2,503
Full-time place, per year - £31,250
Part-time place, per year - £15,650
fees stated are for 2025/26 academic year
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this project, as well as general student living costs.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.
There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.
If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £17,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).
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