Download Transmission of virus from mother to child: the relationship between

SGUL/LSHTM MRC London Intercollegiate Doctoral Training Partnership – 2017/18 Potential PhD Projects
Title of PhD project
Transmission of virus from mother to child: the
relationship between human cytomegalovirus in the
placenta and child health
Supervisor
Dr Blair Strang
SGUL
Co-Supervisor
Dr Ursula Gompels
LSHTM
Brief description of project
A significant, but poorly understood, cause of disease in
infants and newborns across the globe is transmission of
human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) from mother to child via
infection of the placenta. We will examine HCMV infection of
placental trophoblasts, a major site of HCMV replication, to
understand how engagement of viral glycoproteins affects
intracellular signalling required for trophoblast function. This
will be expanded to understand how viral envelope genotypes
found worldwide affect trophoblast function, including using
data from the LSHTM CIGNIS trial to understand the
relationships between envelope glycoprotein genotypes that
affect trophoblast function and child health/chronic disease in
a paediatric patient population. Finally, to extend our
understanding of anti-HCMV vaccine strategies, we will
examine if neutralizing antibodies targeting different viral
envelope glycoproteins can protect against trophoblast
infection and consider the utility of antibodies as therapeutics
against globally distributed glycoprotein genotypes.
Particular prior educational
requirements for a student
undertaking this project
We seek an enthusiastic and committed individual with strong
organizational skills. Previous laboratory experience in
virology and/or molecular biology is advantageous. The
candidate will be expected to take ownership of their project,
which will result in presenting their work at professional
conferences and in high impact journal publications. This
position will provide the student with access to the MRC LID
and the London virology community, which will provide
networking opportunities to further the students career.
Skills we expect a student
to develop/acquire whilst
pursuing this project
The student will acquire and develop expertise in the study of
a global pathogen, gaining knowledge from studies at the
interface of virology and cell biology to understand the
infectious cause of birth defects, including microcephaly. This
is particularly prescient today when infectious agents that
cause birth defects, such as HCMV, Zika and others, are in
the public consciousness. Of particular relevance to the MRC
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SGUL/LSHTM MRC London Intercollegiate Doctoral Training Partnership – 2017/18 Potential PhD Projects
LID, the student will also acquire and develop proficiency in
the handling of large volumes of data from a wellcharacterized patient cohort with a view to understanding the
relevance of infection to foetal development and child health.
Furthermore, the study of neutralizing antibodies will provide
the student with insight into development of anti-infective
therapies and how they might be applied within a population.
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