Hookworm-derived polypeptides for the treatment of chronic diseases

This project is suitable for a Master, Honour or PhD student.

We have discovered hookworm proteins and peptides able to modulate the immune response and protect against allergic and autoimmune diseases (like IBD and colitis). We are interested in developing these novel compounds into the clinics and determine how the proteins alter cellular function. Gut-resident dendritic cells are the primary target and epigenetic modifications are likely to occur. This project will use a range of immunological techniques (experimental models, flow cytometry, fluorescence imaging), proteomics approaches (mass spectrometry), and single cell sequencing / metabolomics to characterise the mechanism of action.