The host-parasite-microbiome axis: a new paradigm in animal health

OVERVIEW

Parasitic helminths are responsible for >55% of livestock diseases and are a major concern for producers worldwide. Whilst it is well known that helminths secrete molecules that manipulate host immune responses to ensure their survival, we are just beginning to explore how helminths interact with microorganisms such as bacteria.

Bacteria play an important role in ruminant health with “friendly” commensal species aiding digestion whilst pathogenic species can lead to disease. Although co-infection of sheep and cattle with flatworm parasites is extremely common, we know little about their impact on bacteria. The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica and the rumen fluke, Calicophoron daubneyi, are the major endemic flatworm infections of ruminants in western Europe. Although sharing similar life-cycles, they occupy distinct niches within their ruminant hosts and show different pathology and pathogenicity. As such, they are ideal models for comparative studies. In this project, we will exploit recently generated genome, transcriptome and proteome resources to identify putative antimicrobial and immunomodulatory molecules secreted by these helminth species. These molecules, either secreted as soluble proteins, or packaged into extracellular vesicles, will be investigated in terms of their ability to influence the microbiome via direct antimicrobial action but also via modulation of host innate immune responses to microbial signatures. By studying this tripartite interaction, we will gain a better understanding of how host inflammatory responses play out, in the presence of both helminths and bacteria, and how this influences tolerance to commensal “friendly” microbes or clearance of pathogenic species.

Research Information

PhD Supervisors
Information on the research interests and activities of academics in Biological Sciences can be accessed via the School website and the Find a Supervisor facility.

Career Prospects

Introduction
Queen’s postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as the DegreePlus/Future Ready Award, bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. Career prospects in the biological sciences are exceptionally good. To some extent it depends on the specific topic, of course, but laboratory-based and especially quantitative skills and the proven innovation of a PhD or MPhil are highly sought after. Degrees are very much in demand, both in commercial science and public sector research and development (e.g. drug discovery and development, crop and animal improvements and welfare, sustainable agriculture and resource use, human nutrition and health, animal health, ecological management, food safety and technology, scientific communications, regulation, and many more fields).

Employment after the Course
Graduates have gone on to be professional research scientists, consultants, or hold technical and junior executive positions in commerce and government.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant subject from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

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