Transcriptional regulation of astrocyte-T cell immune interactions in glioblastoma
About the Project
A 3 year fully funded PhD studentship is available in the Astroglia Cell Biology Group at Cardiff University’s European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute in collaboration with Cardiff University’s Systems Immunity Research Institute. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of cancer biology, neuroscience, and immunology.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and most lethal type of brain cancer in adults, with a median survival of only 15-18 months. The poor prognosis of GBM is linked to the capability of these tumours to evade detection from immune cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Recent studies have shown that cell-cell interactions in the TME contribute to silencing of the immune response to GBM and thereby help GBM tumours escape immune detection. CD8+ T cells typically provide crucial anti-tumour immunity within the local TME, where better prognosis is linked to enhanced T cell infiltration and functionality. However, in GBM, T cells can be poorly responsive and the suppressive TME, containing tumour-associated astrocytes, can neutralise the efficacy of anti-tumour T cell immune responses.
A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive cell-cell communication and promote immune silencing may lead to new and better treatments that can improve patient survival. In this project, we will analyse single cell OMICs data from astrocytes in experimental models and human patients to identify messenger molecules which are produced by astrocytes and act on T cells to silence the anti-GBM immune response. We will evaluate single cell RNA-sequencing data from astrocytes and T cell subtypes to identify candidate signatures and ligand-receptor pairs associated with immune cell activation (Aim 1). We will perform unbiased whole transcriptome RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes in purified T cells from human GBM patient samples to validating candidate genes identified from experimental models (Aim 2). Finally, we will validate T cell phenotypic and activation patterns in GBM patient samples at the proteomic level (Aim 3).
Person specification:
Applicants should have a background in cancer biology, immunology, single cell OMICs, and/or neuroscience. Experience with computational data analysis is advantageous.
It is expected that interviews for successful applicants will be held on or around June 23rd, 2026.
How to apply
In order to apply for a PhD you would need to complete an application form using the online application system. Please specify the project you wish to apply for in the research proposal section of the form. A link to the application form is here (please ensure you select the correct qualification, mode of study and start date prior to selecting the apply now option)
https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/biosciences-phd-mphil-md
Contact details for supervisor
Supervisor: Dr Florian Siebzehnrubl
Email: fas@cardiff.ac.uk
Funding Notes
This Cancer Research Wales funded studentship is open to Home and EU applicants. The award offered will cover fees and a maintenance stipend.
Eligibility
To be classified as ‘EU’ for tuition fee purposes, you must:
- Be ordinarily resident* in the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland for the full three-year period prior to commencing your studies
- Have no immigration restriction on the length of your stay in the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland
- Not be eligible for ‘Home’ fee status under Welsh Government regulations
The successful applicant is likely to have a very good first degree (a First or Upper Second class Honours or equivalent)
The 3 year studentship will commence in October 2026
English requirements: If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements by the start of the programme-View Website
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