Oncolytic Virus Research Group
- Group summary: We are a group of research scientists studying oncolytic virotherapy for the treatment of cancer. We aim to identify the best strategies for maximizing the therapeutic benefit of oncolytic viruses by potentiating both the direct oncolytic and tumour-specific, immune-mediated effects of these viruses and to translate our findings into the clinic for the benefit of patients.
What we do
The oncolytic virus research group brings together academics with basic and clinical research backgrounds in cancer immunology and virology within the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Leeds, as well as clinicians at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Our combined expertise in cancer immunology and virology allows us to address multiple aspects of the interaction of oncolytic viruses with tumours and with the patient’s immune system in order to identify the most effective therapeutic strategies to take forward into the clinic. Our research benefits from access to primary patient-derived samples through the Leeds Teaching Hospitals trust, a valuable resource that enhances the clinical relevance of our work. We have a strong clinical trial portfolio, facilitated by the clinician researchers in the group and are well positioned to advance our research findings for the benefit of patients.
Key research themes include:
- Mechanisms of tumour susceptibility to oncolysis
- Virus-induced innate and adaptive anti-tumour immune responses
- Characterisation of tumour specific microenvironments and the impact on oncolytic virus effector mechanisms
- Genetic modification of oncolytic viruses
- Consequence of anti-viral immune responses
- Route and scheduling of viral administration
- Role for cellular chaperones
- Combination therapies
Who we are
Funding
Studentships
We welcome enquiries from motivated and qualified applicants from all around the world who are interested in postgraduate study within the cancer immunology research field. Competitive schemes are available for three-four year PhD studentships through a variety of routes including:
- Discovery Medicine North (DiMeN) Doctoral Training Program
- International PhD Academy: Medical Research (self-funded students only)
- Leeds Doctoral Scholarship
To apply through one of these routes, please contact the Investigator you would like to work with to discuss specific schemes and project outlines. Other opportunities will be posted on FindAPhD.com and on Investigators home pages. The Faculty Graduate School pages have further details for postgraduate research opportunities and projects in the laboratory.