Developing immune instructive niches to promote healing and
suppress fibrosis
Antigen presenting cells (APCs) such as macrophages and dendritic cells play a crucial
rule in orchestrating immune responses against foreign materials. The activation
status of APCs can determine the outcome of an immune response following
implantation of implants/medical devices, towards either healing/integration or
inflammation/fibrosis. A large range of biomaterials are used in the fabrication of
implantable devices and drug delivery systems. These materials will be in close
contact with APCs and characteristics such as surface chemistry and topography of
materials have been shown to have a critical role in initiating pro- or antiinflammatory immune responses by changing APCs morphology, phenotype and
function. Thus, controlling biomaterial surface attributes provides a novel way to
modulate the phenotype and function of immune cells with the aim of reducing
detrimental pro-inflammatory responses and promoting beneficial healing. In this
project we will investigate how different surface topographies and chemistries can
change the phenotype and function of human macrophages towards either M1
(support microbial clearance) or M2 (support healing) subtypes.
This funded PhD studentship is available at the University of Nottingham and the
successful candidate will be linked to the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences
Research Council) Programme Grant in Next Generation Biomaterials Discovery. This
studentship will be based in the School of Life Sciences.
Advanced biomaterials are an essential part of meeting healthcare challenges facing
society, such as antimicrobial resistance and realising the potential of regenerative
medicine to treat chronic disease. This Programme Grant aims to realise the vision of
materials screening and discovery in 3D. This will allow us to move beyond the
existing limited range of bioresorbable polymeric drug and cell delivery agents and
medical device materials to bespoke biomaterials identified for specific applications.
This studentship will also link with existing CDTs (Centres for Doctoral Training)
including: CTD in Advanced Therapeutics and Nanomedicine, CDT in Regenerative
Medicine and CDT in Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing.
Training:
The project provides excellent training opportunities in cellular immunology
techniques (e.g. monocyte isolation, macrophage differentiation, flow cytometry),
ELISA, PCR, confocal microscopy as well as a diverse range of microfabrication (e.g.
soft lithography), analytical and surface characterisation techniques including WCA
measurement, ToF-SIMs and high throughput microscopy amongst others.
Requirements:
Applicants should have a minimum 2.1 BSc in biology, chemistry, immunology or
related discipline. Previous laboratory based experience in a relevant area will be
advantageous.
Funding:
The funded PhD project will be undertaken for the full 4 years of PhD funding with
concurrent transferable skills training, starting September 2016 (includes tax free
stipend: £14,057 in 2015/16).
Eligibility:
This opportunity is available with stipend and fees payable to UK or EU candidates.
Closing Date:
The deadline is 30th April 2016.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to make early contact with Amir
Ghaemmaghami (Amir.Ghaemmaghami@nottingham.ac.uk) for more information
and to send them a copy of your application. More information on the EPSRC
Programme Grant can be found here http://tinyurl.com/BiomaterialsDiscovery
To apply please complete the online application form available at
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx including a
CV and quoting “EPSRC PhD”.