Open master thesis for SS 2024

In vitro Immune system interaction in superinfection with Streptococcus pneumoniae and influaenza virus

Beginn: July 2024

Background:

Influenza, a respiratory viral infection, has been an enduring presence in the human population for centuries, manifesting seasonally with varying degrees of severity. Despite ongoing vaccination campaigns, the inherent mutability of the influenza virus poses challenges to public health, periodically leading to pandemics that can affect a significant portion of the global population. These pandemics are often triggered by antigenic shifts in circulating strains, which can render existing immunity less effective, thereby increasing susceptibility to bacterial infection. While most influenza cases result in mild to moderate respiratory illness, severe and potentially life-threatening complications can arise, particularly when secondary bacterial infections occur. Among these, bacterial pneumonia, notably caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, represents a significant concern. The convergence of influenza with bacterial superinfection can exacerbate pulmonary inflammation and compromise lung function, leading to hospitalization and, in severe cases, mortality. Importantly, this synergistic relationship between influenza and bacterial pneumonia can impact individuals with preexisting lung conditions as well as previously healthy individuals, underscoring the broad spectrum of susceptibility to severe disease.

Despite advancements in understanding the pathogenesis of influenza and bacterial superinfections, challenges and discrepancies persist in the literature, reflecting ongoing debates and unresolved questions in the field. This project aims providing insights into disease mechanisms and leverage the mortality conflicting observations in the different treatment approches.

Aims:

1. To better understand the difference of interaction of pneumococcal and virus infection with immune cells.

2. To understand the mechanism behind effect of effective and ineffective antibiotic therapy and how this influence the immune system or help to recover from superinfection?

Methods:

The Master student will learn following techniques with the aim of use:

Isolating and culturing of various cell lines, and exposure experiments with bacterial and virus in our laboratory. Quantitative real-time PCR for analysis of the expression of signalin pathways and flowcytometry for analysis immune cells markers.

Application requirements: Applicants should have a completed Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular medicine, Immunology, or biochemistry (or an equivalent subject). Furthermore, basic knowledge of Immunology work are required.

Contact: Send your complete application documents (letter of motivation, certificates, CV including practical laboratory experience) by email to Reza Gheitasi.