Thesis supervisor: Margit Zeher
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Division of Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary Abbreviation of location of studies: KIT
Description of the research topic:
Regarding the critical role of TFH cells in B cell development, activation and antibody production, their failure to maintain self-tolerance potentially contributes to autoimmunity. Altered distribution and function of TFH cells potentially lead to a change in the proportions of B cell subtypes and result in enhanced B cell activation in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of the study is to determine the distribution of different TFH cell subsets in pSS, SLE and SSc, and to assess the changes in their interactions with B cell subtypes.
Further requirements: - advanced English language skills
- advanced laboratory/research skills required for cell culture, flow cytometry and ELISA
- computer skills and statistical knowledge (data collection, analysis and evaluation)