Title of Project

The Role of TLR in the Regulation of the Microbiome, Gut Integrity and Autoimmunity

Name of Advisor/s

Dr Margaret Jordan, Professor Alan Baxter

College

College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences

Summary of Project

Type 1 diabetes accounts for >90% of diabetes in children under 14 years. Children with diabetes have altered intestinal immune responses, changes in the bacteria in their guts, and increased leakiness of the intestines. We have found that the genetic deletion of some genes that are involved in the immune recognition of bacteria from mice has replicated these problems and increased the risk of developing diabetes. This provides us with the perfect opportunity to work out how these problems are related, and how they cause diabetes.

Key Words

Immunology, Genetics, Cellular Immunology, Cell-mediated immunity, Cellular immunology, Molecular Autoimmunity, Immunogenetics, Mouse models, Microbiome, T1D, Type 1 Diabetes.

Would suit an applicant who

Knowledge of immunology and experience with histology, tissue culture and/or immunological techniques. Has experience with statistical analyses and/or bioinformatics.