Internship on the impact of the PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway on the Functional Orientation of B Cells.

University of Brest

3 to 6 months

35 hours a week

B cells play a crucial role in the immune response by secreting antibodies and cytokines, as well as presenting antigens to T cells. Depending on the context, they can exert pro-inflammatory or regulatory effects. Regulatory B lymphocytes (Bregs) are essential in maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. One of the key mechanisms involved in regulating this tolerance is the programmed cell death receptor PD-1. Although PD-1 is expressed by B cells, its role in the functional orientation of B cells remains unknown.

Tasks and duties entrusted to the student:

This internship project aims to study the impact of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway on the functional polarization of B cells using in vitro models. First, the cytokine profile of stimulated PD-1+ B cells will be analyzed through flow cytometry and multiplex immunoassays. Therapeutic antibodies will be used to modulate the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Second, the project will explore how this pathway influences the acquisition of immunosuppressive functions in B cells, using a co-culture model with autologous T cells. T cell proliferation and cytokine production will be quantified by flow cytometry.

Skills to be acquired or developed:

This internship will provide hands-on training in the in vitro culture of human B and T cells, cell isolation, spectral flow cytometry, and multiplex immunoassays. It may also include the use of bioinformatics tools for analyzing multiparametric flow cytometry data.

Compensation:

Erasmus + grant available depending on eligibility criteria of your home university

Sophie Hillion (PU-PH), sophie.hillion@univ-brest.fr

https://www.univ-brest.fr/lbai/en