Defining neuro-immune circuits in viral infection

About the project

About the Project The nervous system provides a wide range of signals to immune cells residing in peripheral tissues such as the lung, the salivary glands, the gut or the female reproductive tract. These neuronal cues are critical for immune homeostasis and modulation, and for boosting or curbing immune responses against viruses and other pathogens. However, a lot remains unknown regarding the nature of these cues and how they are regulated or integrated during bespoke immunity. In our lab, we have started to characterise the impact that peripheral neurons have on immune cell behaviour and function during homeostasis and viral infections. We are exploring the nature of neuro-immune interactions and developing new models to study neuro-immune crosstalk in the lung, the female reproductive tract and other tissues. This PhD project aims to create and apply new molecular tools and genetically altered mouse models to define which neuronal and immune circuits are relevant to defend us from different viral infections. The PhD student leading this project will investigate which immune cells in mucosal tissues and which neurons, both innervating barrier tissues and residing in the central nervous system, control antiviral immunity. The project will require a multidisciplinary approach applying and developing methods of molecular biology, high-dimensional flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, transcriptomics and bioinformatics, both in vitro and in vivo models.

Research areas