The laboratory for Mucosal Immunology (https://slacklab.ethz.ch) is dedicated to understanding host/microbe interactions at mucosal surfaces. We want to apply this knowledge to prevent and treat diseases. The group aims to understand how diet, microbiota, metabolism, and immunity interact in health and disease.
Project description
Despite the well-known side effects and the rising antimicrobial resistance crisis, bacterial infections are commonly treated with antibiotics. More sustainable treatment options are urgently needed to address this rapidly growing public healthcare gap.
We will produce and characterize self-assembling protein nanoparticles targeting bacterial pathogens in the gut. The in silico-designed proteins can be produced recombinantly in E. coli and purified using state-of-the-art chromatography methods. Promising therapeutic candidates will be tested using microbiological and immunological methods before investigating the impact on bacterial physiology in vivo.
Methods
- Protein design, production and purification
- Characterization of binding proteins (FACS, fluorescence microscopy, SPR)
- In vivo testing in murine models (optional)
Hands-on experience with basic microbiological methods, protein production, FACS, and microscopy is appreciated. We are looking forward to your application to
“mi-projects@hest.ethz.ch” with the following information:
- Subject: First name, Family name. Department. Study program. Interest in Semesters project/Masters project. Availability (timing).
- Email body: your CV, your transcripts and a short motivational text