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Do you wonder how the immune system of babies develops?

Science positive PhD Research Projects

by Thomas Vogl
Photo by: MedUni Wien/feelimage

Humans produce myriads of antibodies, that can bind in principle to nearly any possible molecular structure. However, our current conception of these antibody repertoires is largely based on DNA sequencing of the respective antibody genes, whereas the actual antigens recognized by antibodies are vastly unknown. Our group strives to unravel the functional capacity of these enormous immune repertoires targeting microbiota and to shed light on their role in human health.

Therefore, we are using functional immunomics by combining experimental biology (robotic high-throughput immunoassays) with data science (machine learning, bioinformatics) to gain a holistic view of interactions of the microbiota with the adaptive immune system.

We have developed a new technology to study human antibody repertories at unprecedented depth (Vogl et al., Nature medicine, 2021). Leveraging this approach, we have tested for antibody binding against 244,000 bacterial antigens in 997 individuals providing the first population scale perspective on functional antibody repertoires. We are applying this platform technology in a plethora of ways to study different antigen sets (viruses, allergens etc.) and their association with cancer, diseases, and immune system development. As an example, we have tested for antibody responses against >13,000 coronavirus epitopes in COVID-19 patients yielding fundamental insights into cross-reactivity and representing a highly accurate diagnostic tool (published in Science Immunology, 2021).

"This deep profiling of the immune system in early life will provide new insights into the development of antibody repertoires. "

Thomas Vogl PhD supervisor and research group leader at MedUni Vienna's Center for Cancer Research

In concordance with ongoing work, this proposed PhD project aims to study the development of antibody driven immunity in early life: Antibodies targeting intestinal bacteria are thought to influence the composition of the gut microbiome during immune-system development. However, the antigen binding profiles of these immunoglobulins are largely unknown, and it is not yet fully understood how early misdirected immune education affects human health. We will investigatee which immune exposures shape the antibody repertoire and influence human health. Thereby this project will provide new insights into the interaction between the human immune system and the gut microbiome, since the actual targets of most antibodies have never been systematically studied. This deep profiling of the immune system in early life will provide new insights into the development of antibody repertoires. Comparing these datasets with different diseases may also reveal interrelationships that could form the basis for new treatments.

 

If you are interested in learning more about the development of an infant's immune system and becoming part of our PhD community, please visit our PhD call online application portal to find these and other exciting PhD opportunities at MedUni Vienna.


This science is funded by the European Union

This programme has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s 2022 StG call (project number: 101075733).