Insect Immunity

600 million people worldwide are affected by insect-vectored diseases and more than $60B of damage is caused to crops by insects per annum. Insects therefore play a central role in determining (a) the dynamics of infectious disease and (b) our food security.
Despite this huge impact on human quality of life, we still control insects using a very conserved tool box. There has been almost no focus on how their unique immune system works, and consequently no understanding of its potential (a) as a target for pest control or (b) for preventing disease transmission.
Work in the Siva-Jothy Lab has focussed on one key model to begin addressing these shortfalls. We now know that, despite their simple immune systems, insects can produce complex immunological outcomes because of the way they manage immunity and integrate it with other physiological and behavioural systems. This project will build on proof-of-concept work which has demonstrated that a model insect (the bed bug) is able to predict immune insult. This sophisticated management of immunity is novel and is controlled by a link between feeding behaviour and immunity.
This project will build on research that shows predictable feeding produces an entrained rhythm of immune defence in female bedbugs. This is occurs because of the unusual method of mating involving traumatic insemination, which is costly to the female in terms of microbial immune insult. The student will examine which components of the immune system are upregulated and how feeding cycles and variation in infectious agents (in both space and time) affect fitness. The project will also address specific questions about how the immune system is managed and integrated into other physiological systems. The project will provide an empirical foundation for understanding the integrated function of the insect immune system. It will thereby give us a robust insight into (a) how vectored human parasites like malaria might evade the immune system of their insect host, as well as (b) begin to identify potential targets for pest control.
The candidate will use a combination of established physiological, behavioural and microscopical techniques in an experimental approach to dissect the core questions. The project will also require good IT, statistical and communication skills.

For further information about how to apply please contact Mrs S Carter (s.a.carter@sheffield.ac.uk).  To make a formal application go to http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply