Uncovering the viral and cellular components that dictate the neurological outcome of tick-borne encephalitis virus infection

About the Project

The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2025/26.

Research in the Goonawardane lab is focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underly viral persistence and variable disease outcome for emerging RNA virus infections. The lab uses a range of multidisciplinary yet complementary approaches to gain insight into how arboviruses (mainly tick-borne viruses) establish infection in the human brain. The lab employs the latest 3D human mini-brain organoids and BBB-models to achieve these aims. This fundamental understanding is used to identify new therapeutic avenues and scalable diagnostic tools for tick-borne arbovirus infection.

Cases of Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are increasing due to climate change. TBEV infects the brain causing neurological symptoms during the secondary stages of disease. TBEV was recently detected in ticks resident in the UK, and its emergence has continued. This has led to epidemics of viral encephalitis on a global scale. Despite this, no effective anti-TBEV therapeutics are available and current diagnostics are limited to late disease stages, once the virus has entered the brain. New anti-viral strategies are therefore urgently required.

Studies in the Goonawardane lab use the latest 3D human brain organoids as platforms to investigate key features of TBEV infection. An important question we are keen to address is how this differs between strains of contrasting neuropathology. Sophisticated ex vivo human mini-brain organoids and microfluidic BBB-organ models are used to provide the most physiological platforms to study natural infection in the brain. These technologies combined with the state-of-the-art nano-resolution imaging aim to identify: (i) viral protein localisation, (ii) the interaction of host and viral proteins and (iii) changes in host gene expression using proteomics and transcriptomics. These experiments will inform as to how viral and cellular factors shape TBEV neuropathogenesis and reveal new targets for anti-viral drug discovery.

Eligibility

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the Faculty of Biological Sciences is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

How to apply

To apply for this project applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.

• a full academic CV
• degree certificate and transcripts of marks
• Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)
• Evidence of funding

To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;

• Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study
• Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert

For information about the application process please contact the Faculty Admissions Team:

e: fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk

Funding Notes

This project is open to applicants who have the funding to support their own studies or who have a sponsor who will cover these costs.