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Investigating the role of IFNs in treatment of viral infections

Description 
Interferons (IFNs) are host-derived, broad-spectrum, anti-viral cytokines induced naturally in the body during a viral infection. The type I and type III IFNs are two distinct families of proteins together orchestrating protection of the human body from viral infections. The type I IFNs utilise ubiquitously expressed receptors, giving these IFNs broad cellular activity but the potential for systemic toxicity. The type III IFNs bind a unique receptor which displays limited cellular distribution on epithelial cells, giving the type III IFNs display targeted effects on a small number of cell-types. Our project is investigating and comparing the differential role of IFNs in various cell types important for protection from viral infection. We utilise a blend of transcriptomics and proteomics to understand the effect of IFNs on cells.
Essential criteria: 
Minimum entry requirements can be found here: https://www.monash.edu/admissions/entry-requirements/minimum
Keywords 
innate immunity, biochemistry, signal transduction, functional characterisation of interferons
School 
School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health / Hudson Institute of Medical Research » Molecular and Translational Sciences
Available options 
PhD/Doctorate
Honours
Time commitment 
Full-time
Top-up scholarship funding available 
No
Physical location 
Monash Health Translation Precinct (Monash Medical Centre)
Co-supervisors 
Prof 
Paul Hertzog

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