When naive T cells get activated by for example pathogen-derived antigen, they differentiate into a variety of functionally distinct subsets. Currently, murine T cells are thought to follow a different differentiation paths than human T cells, which questions the translatability of murine data to humans. However, the criteria that are used to delineate the murine and human subsets are distinct due to a variety of practical reasons.
We have recently identified a new and higher-resolution CD8 T cell differentiation marker in mice that we believe can harmonize the conflicting results. If this marker can not only delineate murine, but also human differentiation states, one could use the exact same marker to study CD8 T cell differentiation in both murine and human T cells, and in that way investigate whether their differentiation paths are indeed different, or just seem to be different as a result of the distinct criteria that are currently being used to define murine and human T cells. We are in the process of solidifying that this marker indeed distinguishes functionally distinct subsets/differentiation states also in human T cells.
There is a possibility for Master student projects within this larger project. Get in contact with us if you like to discuss the possibilities. In one specific Master project the student would study in vitro how expression of the new marker is regulated by time and division state of the activated T cells, comparing human and murine cells. Furthermore the student project involves investigating which cytokines influence the expression levels of this marker and the extent of differentiation of the T cells.

We are likely to have Master student projects also in the future, so if you like what we do, even years after you might see this post, get in contact. Check out our website
www.gerlachlab.com