In situ immune cell profiling using spatial transcriptomics in gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease

Aspects of this project would be suitable for Honours, Masters, MPhil, MD and PhD students. Email the supervisor to discuss suitability.

Background

Acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common, life-threatening complication following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Gut GVHD occurs when donor-derived T-cells traffic to host GI tract tissue in response to cytokine release during conditioning chemotherapy, resulting in T cell mediated apoptosis of GI tract mucosa. Early identification of patients at greatest risk of gut GVHD would allow for trials of early escalation of immune-suppressing treatment to prevent gut GVHD onset or ameliorate its severity. Currently, there is a lack of predictive tools for the early detection of acute gut GVHD. Although blood based biomarkers are relatively easily obtained, they are often less informative compared with tissue-based biomarkers.

Aim

This project aims to examine the feasibility of applying spatial transcriptomics in the diagnosis and prognostication of acute gut GVHD.

Methods

This project will involve spatial transcriptomics, computational analysis, histopathology and microscopy techniques.

Project Potential

This research will generate tissue specific cellular transcriptomic signatures that may serve as potential biomarkers to improve early acute gut GVHD diagnosis and prognostication.