Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research

Department/Institute:
Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology
Subject area:
Neuroimmunology
Name of supervisor:
PD Dr. Naoto Kawakami
Number of open position:
1
Project title:
Molecular and cellular mechanisms during infiltration of encephalitogenic T cells into the central nervous system
Project time:
Full Docotoral Study-Model: 48 months
Language requirements:
English, fluent (speaking, listening, writing and reading)
Academic requirements:
Candidates should have a Master's degree in Informatics, Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry or a related field.

Project description:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in the central nervous system (CNS) induced by encephalitogenic CD4+ T cells. Our group is investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of MS pathogeneses using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as an animal model of MS. We visualized how the T cells infiltrate into the CNS through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using intravital imaging. In addition, we also visualized that T cells become activated in the CNS, which is crucial step for the pathogenesis. Furthermore, we performed CRISPR-based genome-wide screen to identify the crucial regulators for the infiltration of T cell infiltration at the onset of EAE. However, still many questions remain, for example, how the CNS-infiltrating T cells become activated and how the encephalitogenic T cells migrate into the inflamed CNS.

To answer these questions, we will apply cutting-edge technologies, including intravital imaging, CRISPR-gene editing, and transcriptome analysis. To conduct these experiments, we need image analysis as well as bioinformatic analysis of the CRISPR screen and the transcriptome. Therefore, we are seeking a PhD candidate who will primarily focus on precise data analysis. Knowledge of immunology, cell biology, and light microscopy is advantageous.

To applicants: Please send following initial application documents to LMU-CSC Office before 15th December:

  • Resume and Research Motivation Letter
  • Certificate of Proficiency in English, equivalent to IELTS Test Academic 6.5 (no module below 6) or TOEFL IBT 95, is required
  • Two letters of recommendation directly sent from your current Supervisors/Professors to LMU-CSC Office
Contact LMU-CSC Office: csc.international@lmu.de