MSc by Research in Microbiology - Host Pathogen Interactions

University of Leeds

Pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi are in a constant co-evolutionary arms race with their hosts. Using a variety of state of the art techniques ranging from structural biology, EM, live cell imaging and proteomics, through to studies in human tissue models and in vivo research, teams within SMCB are focused on gaining further molecular and cellular insights into these complex interactions between pathogens and their hosts. Research includes investigating the modulation of host cells by tumourgenic viruses (eg Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus, adenoviruses and human papillomaviruses), understanding the pathogenesis and persistence of chronic viral infection such as hepatitis C, dissecting the activation of host inflammatory responses by fungal and bacterial pathogens, and investigating the mechanisms of infectious respiratory diseases to inform vaccine design. Together, our research is providing a greater mechanistic understanding of host-pathogen interactions, shedding light on multiple fundamental physiological processes, and thereby guiding the development of future therapeutic strategies.