Laboratory Placement Grant Call

Host Institute: CIDEIM, Colombia

Host: Dr Maria Adelaida Gómez

Lab Overview: The focus of our research is the immunobiology of human leishmania infection. We investigate on the immunological mechanisms that drive disease severity, immunity to infection, and therapeutic responses in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. We conduct translational research towards improvement and development of control measures for endemic countries.

Project Overview: This project aims to optimize a 3D spheroid culture system to model persistent subclinical human infections caused by Leishmania Viannia species. Immunological and parasitological correlates of subclinical infection will be defined based on RNA-seq data form clinical samples of study participants, and will be used as readouts for evaluation of performance of the 3D cell culture model.

Applicant minimum requirements: 

Educational Background: PhD in microbiology, cell biology, immunology of infectious diseases.

Experience Level: Cell culture (human and Leishmania), in vitro infections, basic molecular biology (RNA extraction, qRT-PCR)

Benefits of Placement:

Skills Development

• Handling and processing human samples
• 3D cell culture systems (spheroids) easily deployable in standard cell culture labs
• Human RNA-Seq data interpretation
• Good Laboratory Practices applied to research with human subjects
• Ethical principles of research involving human subjects

Training Opportunities

• Effective Project Planning and Evaluation workshop
• Principles of research involving human subjects

Host Institute: Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Host: Prof Samantha Sampson

Lab Overview: The overall goal of the Host-Pathogen Mycobactomics research group is to gain a better understanding of how the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis interacts with its host to cause disease. To achieve this, we use molecular mycobacteriology and in vitro infection models together with data-rich methodologies such as whole genome sequencing, transcriptomics and proteomics. We have special interests in persister bacteria, PE/PPE proteins and drug resistance.

Project Overview: The PE/PPE protein families are unique to mycobacteria, and play important roles in host-pathogen interactions. Previous work by our group and others has confirmed that several PE/PPE proteins are highly immunogenic, supporting their investigation as potential vaccine antigens.  Indeed, several PE/PPE-derived antigens have been included in TB vaccine candidates at various stages of development. This project focuses on the relatively understudied PPE_MPTR sub-family, and builds on ongoing bioinformatic and wet lab work on these in the host laboratory.

Objective 1: Optimise in vitro PBMC challenge model (using PBMCs from healthy donors and TB-exposed individuals).

Objective 2: Assess protective capacity of selected PPE_MPTR peptides in the in vitro challenge model

Methodologies: Mycobacterial culture, mammalian cell culture, cytokine assays (ELISA, Luminex), flow cytometry (time permitting).

Expected outcomes: Identification of protective PPE_MPTR peptides, contribution to a manuscript.

Applicant Minimum Requirements:

Educational Background: PhD in Mycobacteriology, Immunology or equivalent

Experience Level required:

• At least 3 years of laboratory experience.
• Successful applicant will be required to have a valid HepB vaccination certificate or evidence of sufficient antibody levels.
• Good communication skills.

Experience Level Preferable:

• Bacteriology and/or immunology laboratory experience
• Experience of working with M. tuberculosis

Benefits of Placement:

Skills Development

• Mammalian cell culture
• Mycobacterial culture
• Mammalian cell infection
• Challenge/protection assay
• Cytokine assays (ELISA/Luminex)
• Flow cytometry
• Method development
• Data analysis

Training Opportunities

• Writing skills workshops
• Presentation skills
• Training in Responsible Conduct of Research
• Bioinformatics short courses

Host Institute: R&D Department, Afrigen Biologics Pty Ltd, South Africa

Host: Prof Petro Terblanche

Lab Overview: mRNA vaccine discovery and development laboratory. End to end from pDNA to mRNA-LNP (DP) process and product development. Including analytical method development and validation for GMP production (QC). The team is currently developing 5 different mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases – including TB.

Project Overview: The project addresses key challenges in mRNA technology sustainability – reduce cost of goods, improve thermostability, enhance freedom to operate and access and develop a pipeline of products addressing unmet needs on low- and middle-income countries.

The programme is part of the WHO/MPP mRNA TT Programme and has created an end-to-end mRNA vaccine development platform which is being transferred to 15 partners in LMICs to create capacity for pandemic preparedness and develop new products for high burden diseases in these regions. There are several vaccines currently being developed in the facility and provides opportunities for visiting scientists to work on many aspects of mRNA process and product development.

Applicant Minimum Requirements:

Educational Background: Master’s or PhD in vaccinology, bioprocessing engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology or analytical chemistry.

Experience Level: Good interpersonal skills and scientific writing skills will be an advantage. Experience in working in a laboratory environment is essential.

Benefits of Placement:

Skills Development

• mRNA vaccine development – process development, analytics, formulation and production of lab scale batches for pre-clinical testing.

Training Opportunities

• In-house laboratory training sessions with technical mentor
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Host Institute: McShane Lab, University of Oxford, UK

Host: Prof Helen McShane

Lab Overview: TB clinical trials, experimental medicine, human immunology

Project Overview: An overview of processing of clinical trial samples including blood processing, cryopreservation, ex vivo ELISPOT, ELISA and flow cytometry

Applicant Minimum Requirements:

Educational Background: Relevant undergraduate degree

Experience Level: Some prior flow cytometry experience necessary for flow training and some understanding of GCP would be beneficial

Benefits of Placement:

Skills Development

• Skills in clinical trial sample processing as outlined above

Duration: 4 weeks

Provided By The Host Lab (Do not include these items in your application budget): Lab consumables and equipment