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.
3D-view of a mouse brain rendered transparent and imaged with fluorescent light sheet microscopy. Highlighted regions indicate cells expressing a specific ion channel and associated fluorescent protein.
In our group, 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.
Zoomed in view of a mouse lung cleared and whole-mount imaged with fluorescent light sheet microscopy. Neuronal projections innervating the lung can be seen in yellow while infiltrating T cells are depicted in orange.
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 project will investigate which immune cells in mucosal tissues and 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.
