About the project
Pertussis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium, Bordetella pertussis. Disease can occur across the life course but is most significant in children under the age of 1 year where serious, life-threatening complications may occur. Unfortunately, pertussis has resurged globally despite high vaccine coverage. In order to better control this disease, new vaccines are required that induce long-lasting protection and generate herd immunity.
About the project
To advance our understanding of the immunological mechanisms that underpin protection against B. pertussis infection in humans, and with a view to guiding novel vaccine design, a B. pertussis Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) was recently established by the Southampton Controlled Human Infection Group. To date, we have demonstrated that the model is acceptable and safe, that immune status prior to challenge predicts subsequent colonisation status, and that colonisation with B. pertussis results in formation of B. pertussis-specific adaptive immune responses. Critically, we have demonstrated that experimental colonisation with B. pertussis protects against repeat episodes of infection following re-challenge. This inducible ‘protected against colonisation’ phenotype provides a blueprint for protection which, if understood, could be exploited to develop new vaccines that better protect against B. pertussis.
During the PhD, the student will assess the antigenic targets associated with protection against B. pertussis infection, using banked samples obtained from participants enrolled into a recent CHIM trial. Cutting-edge single-cell sequencing (ssSeq) methodologies, coupled with B cell receptor (BCR)/T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and traditional functional immunological assays, will be utilised to achieve this aim. While the work performed will primarily focus on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from the blood of B. pertussis CHIM participants, the protective role of B. pertussis-specific tissue resident memory T cells located within the nasopharyngeal mucosa will also be explored.
From the technical perspective, the student can expect to develop high-value expertise including:
- Wet-Lab Immunology Techniques
- In vitro assays, including ELISpot and flow cytometry, for the assessment of antigen-specific B and T cell responses
- Advanced sample preparation and functional immune assays
- Single Cell Transcriptomics & Bioinformatics
- Comprehensive training in ssSeq workflows, from initial experimental design to data acquisition
- Access to experienced bioinformaticians and robust computing resources for data analysis and interpretation
This studentship, generously funded in full by Moderna Inc., is ideal for those keen to acquire a broad skillset at the interface of immunology and cutting-edge computational biology. The position offers the chance to work in a well-equipped facility featuring the latest instrumentation, with guidance from a team possessing extensive expertise in controlled human infection, immunology/vacciology and bioinformatics. Applications are particularly encouraged from self-motivated individuals seeking an immersive and rewarding research experience.
Closing date: 18th June 2025
Shortlisting by: 2nd July 2025
Interview Panel Date: 23rd July 2025
Start date: 22nd September 2025
