PhD Opportunity – EASTBIO: Interferon Epsilon in Gut Barrier Immunity: Dissecting Epithelial-Immune‐Pathogen Interactions and Therapeutic Potential
Project Title:
EASTBIO: Interferon Epsilon in Gut Barrier Immunity: Dissecting Epithelial-Immune‐Pathogen Interactions and Therapeutic Potential
Supervisor(s):
Principal Supervisor: Dr Jaclyn Pearson (University of St Andrews, School of Medicine), [email protected]
Co-supervisors: Dr Mairi McLean (University of Dundee, School of Medicine), [email protected]
Deadline:
Monday 15 December 2025
Project Description:
The gut epithelium forms the largest mucosal barrier in the body, where it must tolerate diverse microbial communities while protecting against infection and inflammation. Interferon epsilon (IFNε) is a unique member of the type I interferon family, expressed constitutively by epithelial cells at mucosal surfaces. Unlike classical interferons, IFNε is not strongly induced by pathogens but provides tonic protection. Recent studies have demonstrated important roles for IFNε in the reproductive tract, in ovarian cancer, and in models of colitis, yet its role in gut infection and barrier immunity remains poorly understood.
Our laboratory is actively investigating how IFNε shapes intestinal responses to bacterial infection, with a focus on epithelial barrier integrity, immune regulation, and pathogen localisation. Early work suggests that IFNε may act to reinforce the epithelial barrier, limit bacterial penetration, and influence the balance between protective and inflammatory immune responses. Excitingly, other recent studies have shown that some pathogens can exploit IFNε for their benefit, highlighting the importance of context and tissue specificity in IFNε biology.
This PhD project will use advanced in vitro and ex vivo models to dissect the role of IFNε in intestinal immunity. Human and mouse intestinal organoids will be grown as 3D structures and 2D Transwell monolayers, enabling measurements of barrier function (TEER, FITC-dextran flux), mucus and antimicrobial peptide production, and tight junction integrity. Organoids will be challenged with model enteric pathogens, including extracellular bacteria such as enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and intracellular bacteria such as Salmonella Typhimurium, to determine whether IFNε has pathogen-specific effects. Co-culture systems with regulatory T cells and macrophages will allow the student to explore how epithelial IFNε influences immune cell cross-talk, cytokine production, and immune regulation. Additional assays will examine downstream mechanisms, including antimicrobial peptides and epithelial glycosylation pathways, to test whether IFNε contributes to pathogen restriction or, conversely, creates exploitable niches.
Research training: The student will gain state-of-the-art training in organoid biology, epithelial infection models, transwell co-culture, immunology, and advanced imaging. They will develop expertise in flow cytometry, ELISA, qPCR, confocal microscopy, and quantitative barrier assays. In addition, they will be trained in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, with opportunities to present at national and international meetings. The project offers strong interdisciplinary training across mucosal immunology, microbiology, and translational biomedical science, equipping the student for careers in academia, industry, or biomedical research.
Funding Details:
This 4 year PhD project is part of a competition funded by EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership.
This opportunity is open to UK and International students and provides funding to cover stipend at UKRI standard rate and UK level tuition fees. The University of St Andrews will cover the Home-International fee difference.
How to Apply:
Application instructions can be found on the EASTBIO website- How to Apply | EastBio Doctoral Training Partnership | Biology
1) Download and complete the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey.
2) Download and complete the EASTBIO Application Form.
3) Please complete an application on our online portal: How to apply – Study at St Andrews – University of St Andrews
4) Select the course ‘PhD with internship’
5) Your online application must include the following documents:
– Completed EASTBIO application form
– Academic Qualifications
– English Language Qualification (if applicable)
– 2 References: this must be completed on the EASTBIO Reference Form, also found on the EASTBIO website
Please download the EASTBIO reference form and send it to your referees. They can either upload it directly to the portal using the automated email they will receive, or they can email it to Rachel at [email protected].
Contact:
Queries on the project can be directed to the project supervisor.
Queries on the application process can be directed to Rachel Horn at [email protected].
UKRI eligibility guidance: Terms and Conditions: View Website International/EU: View Website.