Project: Iron status and immunity to infectious diseases in pregnancy
Rogerson Group
Antibody mediated immunity is important for protection against many infections in pregnancy such as malaria. We know antibody levels in response to vaccinations are lower in iron deficient children however, the role of iron deficiency on maternal immunity is not known. In this project you will use samples from a longitudinal study of pregnant women from a malaria endemic area to investigate the relationship between iron status and maternal antibody levels. Experimental techniques will include high throughput multiplex assays using recombinant proteins to measure antibody features to a variety of antigens, in addition, you will learn statistical skills required to analyse the antibody data you acquire alongside previously collected clinical data.
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Rogerson Group
4 vacancies
The Rogerson group studies the pathogenesis and immunity of malaria in the human host, using in vitro models and clinical samples from individuals in malaria-affected countries. We study how malaria in the mother affects her placenta, and the growth and development of her baby, and why some children develop life-threatening malaria, while others with similar exposure remain well or develop mild illness. We are collaborating with engineers to develop new diagnostics for malaria and are taking novel approaches to identifying antibody responses that protect pregnant women and young children from malaria, and block malaria transmission to mosquitoes.
Rogerson Group Current Projects
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Understanding the development of protective immunity to malaria in pregnancy
Honours
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Using whole blood to study white cell responses to malaria
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Understanding persistence of antibody immunity to malaria
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Iron status and immunity to infectious diseases in pregnancy
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
Research degrees at the Doherty Institute are administered by the University of Melbourne.