Investigating chronic inflammation caused by asbestos-like fibres as a driver of mesothelioma

About the Project

Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer causatively linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibres can persist in the body for many years, causing chronic inflammation which contributes to malignant transformation of mesothelial cells in the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs. This can ultimately lead to the development of mesothelioma decades after asbestos exposure. How asbestos fibres cause chronic inflammation is not well understood but relies on the interplay between mesothelial cells and immune cells, particularly macrophages. Macrophages are unable to phagocytose long asbestos fibres, leading to the bio-persistence of the fibres and the initiation of inflammation. We have found that the pro-inflammatory chemokine CXCL10 plays a key role in driving the recruitment of inflammatory macrophages into the pleural cavity and into fat-associated lymphoid clusters which co-ordinate local immune responses. However, it is still unknown which cells produce CXCL10 in this context, and how the presence of fibres is sensed by the immune system.

In this 3-year North West Cancer Research and EPSRC PhD studentship project we aim to define how fibres such as asbestos are detected by the macrophages and by non-immune mesothelial cells to initiate an inflammatory state. The project will involve the use of cultured human cells and in vivo models to investigate how cells and tissues respond to fibre exposure. We will use confocal microscopy to observe the interaction between fibres and cells, the initiation of signalling events and the activation of immune cells. Inflammatory responses will be quantified by real-time qPCR and ELISA. To investigate the role of CXCL10, we will employ CRISPR gene targeting in cells and cell-type specific deletion of CXCL10 in vivo. Collectively this project will contribute to fundamental understanding of how fibres such as asbestos cause cancer.

This project is a collaboration between the Jackson-Jones & Unterholzner laboratories based within the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences at Lancaster University; the division offers a well-resourced and friendly research environment that strongly supports the individual needs of team members and actively promotes a healthy work-life balance. The Faculty of Health and Medicine is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies and has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of its good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.

This project would suit a motivated candidate with some experience in cell culture and molecular biology or immunology techniques, and an interest in immunology and cancer.

Funding is available for applicants with UK residency / EU settled status for fee purposes. Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. A Masters level degree is desirable.

For informal discussions and queries in advance of applying, please contact:

Dr Lucy Jackson-Jones (l.jackson-jones@lancaster.ac.uk) or Dr Leonie Unterholzner (l.unterholzner@lancaster.ac.uk)

To apply, please send your CV (max 2 pages) including x2 references and cover letter (outlining your interest in this PhD and qualifications) to: Dr Lucy Jackson-Jones

Email:L.jackson-jones@lancaster.ac.uk by June 7th 2026.

Expected interview date: 17th June

Funding Notes

North West Cancer Research and EPSRC funded PhD

Includes;

UK fees

Bench fees

3 year stipend at UKRI level