Immune modulation of tonsillar Natural Killer cell immunity by Group A Streptococcus
Not stated
- Funding
- Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
- Application deadline
- 21 October 2026
About the project
About the Project Summary The human tonsils are crucial for producing neutralizing antibodies against infection yet are a breeding ground for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) which causes localized illnesses (tonsillitis) but also life threatening, invasive infections (>500,000 global deaths/year). Children prone to recurrent tonsillitis generate poor levels of neutralizing antibodies but the reasons why are unclear. Natural killer (NK) cells, immune cells that are typically protective, can suppress antibody production in lymphoid organs during virus infections. The student will examine if NK cells are functionally altered in children with recurrent GAS-associated tonsillitis, whilst identifying if and how tonsillar NK cells mediate impaired, GAS-specific antibody production A full description of the project can be found on the GW4 BioMed website . Academic criteria: Applicants for a studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK. English requirements: IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or acceptable alternative. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details. How to Apply A list of all the projects and how to apply is available on the GW4 BioMed website . You may select up to 2 projects and submit one application per candidate only. Please complete an application to the GW4 BioMed3 for an ‘offer of funding’. If successful, you will also need to make an application for an 'offer to study' to your chosen institution later. Please note that we may close the application process before the stated deadline if an unprecedented number of applications are received– check the GW4 BioMed website for details and updates. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be notified from Tuesday, 22nd December 2026. Interviews will be held virtually on 26th and 27th January 2027. Studentships will start on 1 st October 2027.