Non-canonical inflammasome-driven responses in Natural Killer (NK) cells

NK cells are innate lymphoid cells that circulate in the bloodstream and kill stressed, virus-infected, and tumour cells. Within the tumour or viral-infected micro-environment, NK cells can be primed and activated by a range of cytokines. Inflammasomes are signalling platforms that activate inflammatory caspases essential in cell death and inflammation, thereby activating host-protective and pathological immune responses. Our lab identified that human NK cells possess a functional inflammasome which triggers cell death and cytokine release in response to Salmonella infection. However, the activity of NK cells in the context of bacterial infection is still poorly defined. The student will learn how to isolate NK cells from human blood and prime the cells with inflammasome-related cytokines prior to bacterial infection. NK activation and proliferation will be assessed using western blotting, flow cytometry and qPCR. The student will receive hands-on training to use plate readers, imagers, qPCR machines and flow cytometers, and learn principles of experimental design and hone scientific communication skills. This project will allow further investigation into how human NK cells behave during infectious disease. Students will need to find their own accommodation and be expected to present their findings orally at a research day in York on 08th September 2026.