School of Pharmacy
College of Medicine and Health
A Ph.D. studentship exists, to commence in September 2008, for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to investigate novel methods of modulating the interaction of interleukin-2 (IL-2) with its receptor to enhance vaccine-induced immunity.
It is now accepted that cell-mediated immunity is essential to effectively control a number of diseases, such as HIV, malaria and TB. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a key protein produced by stimulated T lymphocytes, binds to its receptor (IL-2R) on T cells and promotes their activation and function. Preventing this binding, by administering a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for part of IL-2R, the CD25 protein, is a clinically effective treatment for transplantation. We previously demonstrated that anti-CD25 mAb administration at the time of vaccination significantly enhanced T cell responses generated by multiple vaccine strategies and induced significantly augmented efficacy against malaria challenge (Moore et al., Journal of Immunology, 2005, 175, 7264-73). The central aim of this project is to determine, at a cellular and molecular level, the underlying mechanisms so that effective IL-2-based vaccine augmentation strategies can be developed and clinically translated. An increased insight of this fundamental aspect of T cell biology would also lead to novel therapeutic strategies for auto-immunity, inflammatory disorders and cancer.
The studentship is open to candidates who hold a first or upper second class degree or M.Sc. in a biomedical science subject and have a keen interest in immunology. Applications, to include a cover letter, describing your interest in this position and clear statements regarding your competence, full curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of two referees should be sent, by email, to Dr. Anne Moore, School of Pharmacy, Cavanagh Pharmacy Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. E-mail: anne.moore@ucc.ie.
The deadline for applications is Friday 18th July 2008.
Click here for Employer Profile
