PROJECT INFORMATION
Host institution: Lunds Universitet
Country: Sweden
Supervisory team: Prof. Sandra Lindstedt (PhD promoter, Lund University), Dr Eleni Papanikolaou (Miltenyi Biotec)
PROJECT DESCRIPTON
The objectives are:
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Employ gene editing-based methods in porcine LTx model and human EVLP to reduce immune rejection and investigate tolerance mechanisms
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Harness multiomics to identify key pathways in lung transplant rejection and acceptance, focusing on interactions between immune cells and tissue damage
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Obtain insights to enhance clinical outcomes and to enable clinical translation
The project will investigate the effects of gene editing-based methods during EVLP using an established porcine LTx model and human lungs with matched controls. These studies will generate clinically relevant data as well as plasma and tissue samples for downstream multiomics analysis. The MACSima platform (Miltenyi Biotec) will be used to provide cutting-edge, high-resolution spatial analysis of lung tissue markers in tissue sections. This will enhance the understanding of immune interactions and therapeutic targets. Mass spectrometric and transcriptomic analysis will further allow to validate and complement the results from different mechanistic angles on genetic and translational levels.
A successful project will result in: Immunomodulated lungs that will lead to reduced rejection rates, and improved graft function and survival with reduced rates of PGD as compared to controls. Multiomics will reveal lower immune cell infiltration, lower signs of rejection in lung architecture and higher levels of tolerance markers. The combined data will reveal key mechanisms and therapeutic targets in graft rejection and immunological processes involved, facilitating the optimization and clinical translation of the immunomodulation technology.
Enrolment in Doctoral School: PhD Programme at Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund
Planned secondments:
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KU Leuven, Belgium: Procedure transfer for lung immunomodulation in porcine and human models (month 8)
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Miltenyi Biotec, Germany: Running MACSima porcine samples, training in data analysis (months 13-15 & months 25-27)
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
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You hold a Master’s degree (no PhD) in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, bioengineering, biotechnology, pharmacy or a related field, or an MD
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You are passionate about life sciences and biomedicine, and want to achieve a PhD degree on the topic described in the description above
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You are ambitious, well organized, and have excellent communication skills
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You are proficient in English both spoken and written
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You have a solutions-oriented mindset that thrives in a multidisciplinary team
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You have the ability to work independently and have a critical mindset
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You are an enthusiastic and motivated person, eager to participate in network-wide training events, international travel, and public awareness activities
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Willingness to travel
DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERTISE
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Knowledge and experience in gene therapies, translational research, immunology, and regenerative medicine
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Experience in advanced microscopy and mass spectrometry
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Experience in GLP, animal and lung models
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Experience in omics methods, data analysis, and interpretation