The role of unconventional T-cells in IgA nephropathy

About the Project

This is a Self-Funded/Sponsored PhD opportunity.

FUNDING REQUIRED:

• Full UK/EU or International Tuition Fees
• UK Living Expenses
• Bench Fees (£22,000 total)

Open to all students of any nationality without restrictions (UK/EU and International)

Description:

Background. Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the most common immune-mediated conditions worldwide and a very common cause of kidney failure. It is characterised by an increase in circulatory IgA antibodies with aberrant glycosylation, which promotes the formation and deposition of immune complexes in the kidneys and ultimately leads to glomerular damage. IgAN is a progressive disease with no treatment or cure, and up to 40% patients will ultimately require kidney replacement therapy.

IgA is mainly produced in mucosal tissues, and an abnormality within the mucosal immune system may therefore underlie the pathogenesis of the disease. In this regard, the gut and bone marrow γδ T-cell repertoire is markedly different between IgAN patients and healthy controls, and γδ T-cell numbers appear to be increased in the blood of IgAN patients, correlating with serum IgA levels and IgA-producing B cell numbers.

Hypothesis. We postulate that kidney-infiltrating γδ T-cells and other unconventional T-cells respond to stress at the site of inflammation and induce IgA class switching in B cells.

Aim. To reconcile unconventional T-cell responses in IgAN patients and their relevance to the disease process.

Project outline. Your PhD research will determine the number, proportion and activation status of γδ T-cells and MAIT cell subsets in blood and kidney biopsies of IgAN patients and control individuals.

You will be able to take advantage of the combined expertise of your supervisory team at the forefront of infection & immunity, kidney research and data science, which guarantees a vibrant and interdisciplinary training environment for your studies. All three supervisors have a strong track record in research, teaching, mentoring and disseminating science. They will help you receive extensive training in research, communication, scientific writing, multitasking and problem-solving skills.

You will use cutting edge immunological techniques such as multicolour flow cytometry to succeed in the process. You will also be encouraged to develop an ability to question and refine current concepts and think outside the box. Together, this will provide a unique skill set appropriate for a future career in academia, industry, education and the third sector.

The first year will lay the groundwork to identify molecular principles underlying the crosstalk between unconventional T-cells and IgA-producing B cells, and to characterise unconventional T-cell populations of interest on a functional and structural level, using cell culture, flow cytometry, histology, RNAseq profiling and TCR clonotyping, as appropriate.

Your findings will help unveil the enigmatic role of unconventional T-cells in driving the pathogenesis of IgAN with implications for diagnosis and intervention in the clinic, and for an advanced understanding of these cells in tissue-specific inflammation in general.

All previous PhD students in the Eberl Lab have published at least one first-author research paper from their studies, and most co-authored further papers, reviews and/or editorials.

In his role as Academic Lead for Public Involvement and Engagement at the School of Medicine in Cardiff and as Engagement Secretary of the British Society for Immunology, Prof Eberl is also in a prime position to offer ample opportunity for training and activities related to science communication and public outreach.

Entry Requirements

You will hold or expect to achieve a First or Upper Second Class degree in biomedical science, biochemistry, cell biology or a related subject. As this is a training doctorate, previous research experience is not essential.

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS).

How to Apply

This studentship has a start date of October 2026. In order to be considered you must submit a formal application via Cardiff University’s online application service.

There is a box at the top right of the page labelled ‘Apply’, please ensure you select the correct ‘Qualification’ (Doctor of Philosophy), the correct ‘Mode of Study’ (Full Time) and the correct ‘Start Date’ (October 2026). This will take you to the application portal.

In order to be considered candidates must submit the following information:

• Supporting statement
• CV
• Qualification certificates
• References x 2
• Proof of English language (if applicable)