"CRUK CI PhD Studentship: Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Antigen-Specific T and B Cells in the Developing and Malignant CNS"

University of Cambridge - Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute

Supervisors: Professor Richard Gilbertson and Dr Elizabeth Cooper

Course start date: 1st October 2026

Overview

Prof Richard Gilbertson and Dr Elizabeth Cooper wish to recruit a student to work on the project entitled: Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Antigen-Specific T and B Cells in the Developing and Malignant CNS.

For further information about the research group, including their most recent publications, please visit our website at https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/research-groups/gilbertson-group/

Project details

The central nervous system (CNS) represents a uniquely regulated immune environment that changes across the lifespan. While adult immunity can mount robust responses to CNS antigens during inflammation, immune responses in the developing brain remain tightly controlled and poorly understood.

Our preliminary data indicate that in childhood brain tumours, antigen-specific T and B cell responses at the CNS borders are functionally impaired. We hypothesise that dysfunction of the meningeal lymphatic system leads to persistent antigen exposure and altered adaptive immune priming.

To address this, we have developed two novel engineered neoantigen models that enable precise dissection of antigen-specific immune responses in the CNS. These tools allow us to track the spatial and temporal dynamics of T and B cell interactions during brain development and disease.

This PhD project will uncover fundamental mechanisms of antigen-specific immunity in the developing CNS and establish broadly applicable models for studying immune responses across pediatric neurological disorders.

References/further reading

Cooper, E., Posner, D.A., Lee, C.Y.C. et al. Childhood brain tumors instruct cranial hematopoiesis and immunotolerance. Nat Genet 58, 317-328 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-025-02499-2

Fitzpatrick Z, Ghabdan Zanluqui N, Rosenblum JS, et al. Venous-plexus-associated lymphoid hubs support meningeal humoral immunity. Nature. 2024 Apr;628(8008):612-619. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07202-9.

Rustenhoven J, Drieu A, Mamuladze T., et al. Functional characterization of the dural sinuses as a neuroimmune interface. Cell. 2021 Dec 18; doi:10.1016/j.cell.2020.12.040

Rustenhoven J, Pavlou G, Storck SE, Dykstra T, Du S, Wan Z, Quintero D, Scallan JP, Smirnov I, Kamm RD, Kipnis J. Age related alterations in meningeal immunity drive impaired CNS lymphatic drainage. J Exp Med. 2023 Jul 3;220(7):e20221929. doi:10.1084/jem.20221929

Preferred skills/knowledge

• BSc or MSc in a relevant discipline (eg Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, Oncology, or Neuroscience)
• Conducting detailed necropsies and dissociation of mouse tissues for downstream flow cytometry and molecular analysis
• Performing cell culture and in vitro immune cell assays

Funding

This four-year studentship is funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and includes full funding for University fees and an index-linked stipend starting at £22,500 for four years from October 2026.

Eligibility

We welcome applications from both UK and overseas students.

Applications are invited from recent graduates or final-year undergraduates who hold or expect to gain a First/Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from any recognised university worldwide.

Applicants with relevant research experience, gained through Master's study or while working in a laboratory, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

You should select to commence study in October 2026.