Mechanisms and functional consequences of platelet-macrophage cross-talk

Whilst platelets are well known for their role in blood clotting, more recent
studies have revealed they are bona fide immune cells capable of
modulating inflammation and immune cell function. As such,
inflammation-induced changes in platelet biology can in turn lead to
further downstream changes in innate and adaptive immune cells.
Macrophages represent a key "professional" immune cell that interacts
with platelets. Platelets and monocytes/macrophages develop alongside
each other in the bone marrow, circulate together and bind each other in
the blood, and macrophages can phagocytose platelets under normal
physiological conditions and in inflammation.
In this project, the student will investigate the biological mechanisms by
which platelets regulate macrophage development and function. This will
utilise in vivo models with well-characterised alterations in platelet
numbers and will assess inflammatory systems that induce alterations in
platelet biology. This project will provide training in cellular and molecular
biology, immune cell function, in vivo experimentation and imaging, and
proteomics.
The project will be suitable for a graduate in Biomedical Sciences,
Biochemistry, Biology or related subjects with a strong interest in and
background knowledge of haematology and/or immunology.