My DPhil in Tropical Immunology

Could you describe your research?

My research focuses on the magnitude of the T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 elicited through natural infection and through vaccination. Additionally, I also work on the SARS-CoV-2 emerging variants of concern, and I use bioinformatics and functional assays to address questions regarding T cell escape in these variants.

Why is it important to characterise T cell response?

T cells play a key role in antiviral immunity in several infections. Characterising T cell responses will help us understand their role in immune responses in SARS-CoV-2, which is critical in the development of vaccines. Additionally, characterising T cell responses can help address gaps in scientific knowledge relating to the roles T cells play in immunopathogenesis during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and the relevance of previous exposure to pre-existing human coronaviruses.

What challenges are there in measuring T cell response in low resource settings, and how is your research addressing this?

T cell responses are measured using a variety of assays which require several reagents to perform the experiments and also equipment to analyse the results. These resources may not be readily available in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). The development of a T cell assay that uses reagents and lab equipment that can be readily accessible in LMICs would be helpful in overcoming these challenges. It is also important that the T cell assays are user friendly and involve minimal steps so they can be easily incorporated in different research settings.

Why did you choose to do postgraduate research in tropical immunology?

My background is in Cellular Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Global Health. Before my DPhil I completed the MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine (opens in CTMGH website), which made me think about challenges from both a scientific and a public health perspective. It challenged me to not only focus on the science, but the context in which the science will be applied.

I am interested in how knowledge gained from research can be translated to effective therapies that improve public health. Through my experiences living in LMICs, I witnessed the impact of infectious diseases and knew this was a path I wanted to pursue. The research in the Tropical Immunology group focuses on infectious diseases and incorporates capacity building and collaboration through the work with melioidosis and development of T cell assays that can be used in LMICs, which are all aspects that I am interested in.

What do you enjoy most about your DPhil?

I love that I get to work in a stimulating learning environment where I am challenged every day. There is a lot of collaboration, and it is really exciting to learn about the science going on in the building. By far what I have enjoyed most is the kindness and willingness by everyone to teach. Everyone is so incredibly busy, but they are always willing to help train you on a lab equipment or help you troubleshoot an experiment.

What do you plan to do next?

After my DPhil I plan to continue in immunology research as an early career scientist. I am passionate about capacity strengthening and my PIs (and Oxford) have strong links with research institutions in LMICs, and I would love to be able to work in these institutions, and perhaps set up one in Nigeria!

This case study was provided by Tropical Immunology