The innate immune response to respiratory viral infection in diabetes: is glucose control the key?

Key words

Human monocytes, infectious disease, type 1 diabetes, innate immunity, viral infection, glucose control.

Overview

We are looking for a doctoral student to investigate the innate immune response to common respiratory viruses in people living with type 1 diabetes. The successful candidate will join Dr Margarita Dominguez-Villar’s group at Imperial College London (South Kensington campus).

Our lab is interested in investigating the mechanisms that control human immune responses in infectious and autoimmune conditions. People living with diabetes have an impaired immune system and they usually experience more severe symptoms during common respiratory virus infections. We would like to understand how they respond to these viruses (e.g. Rhinovirus, Influenza virus, common cold coronaviruses, etc.) as compared to people with normal glucose levels. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the alterations in innate immune responses in people living with diabetes will allow us to better treat common respiratory infections in these individuals in a more personalized manner. Our experimental approach will consist on examination of the phenotype and function of human monocytes isolated from people living with diabetes and glucose on or above target, and healthy people with normal glucose levels. Monocytes will be exposed ex vivo to a number of respiratory viruses and activation, phagocytic capacity, antigen presentation capacity and a number of other measurements of their functionality will be assessed. Blood samples will be obtained through a collaboration with Prof Nick Oliver, who will also co-supervise the work.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter describing why you are suitable for the studentship and interested in the project and lab, along with the details of two referees to Dr Margarita Dominguez-Villar m.dominguez-villar@imperial.ac.uk by the 15th of July 2026.

Student eligibility

The studentship is funded by Diabetes UK for 3 years and covers home (not overseas) tuition fees and a stipend of £20,900 per annum.

Applicants must have a First or Upper Secondclass undergraduate degree in immunology, biology, biomedical sciences, or other related field. While not mandatory, a master’s degree in Immunology or related biomedical sciences is expected. Applicants are also required to meet Imperial College’s English language requirements.

The project aims to start on the 1st of October 2026 or as soon as possible afterwards.