A post-doctoral position is proposed in the Innate Immunity Unit, Immunology Department at the Institut Pasteur Paris, to study the immune response to Hepatitis B virus following treatment with novel combination therapies using humanized mouse models.
Current treatment strategies for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) are life-long and rarely curative. Although HBV infects hepatocytes, its evasion and modulation of the immune response is key to the physiopathology observed. HBV acts on the immune system to dampen the response and develop into chronicity.
Project outline:
The goal is to analyze the immune response to HBV during and after treatment with a combination of antiviral therapies that strongly reduce viral DNA and antigen loads, using an immune competent humanized mouse model. We will analyze antiviral innate and adaptive immunity to determine whether efficient responses may be restored, leading to seroconversion and a functional cure off treatment. We aim to decipher the immune response leading to viral persistence versus viral control and uncover predictive biomarkers of each state.
The project is funded by the ANRS and the position is available for 3 years.
Candidate requirements:
Candidates should have a PhD in Immunology or Virology, and strong experience with murine models, molecular immunology, and FACS techniques. Applicants should be highly motivated, proficient in English, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with others.
Application:
Applicants should send their CV, a letter of motivation including a summary of previous research experience, and two reference contacts to Helene Strick-Marchand (helene.strick-marchand@pasteur.fr)