Studying the immune system using custom CRISPR screens
We study the immune system with a specific interest related to inflammation, autoimmune disease and cancer immunotherapy. A major focus is related to antibodies that are important effector molecules of our immune system. Besides antibodies, we have an interest in B cells and various myeloid cells, especially neutrophils and macrophages. We also spend a lot of effort into using CRISPR/Cas9 based custom screens as a discovery platform to understand complex biological processes and to identify novel drug targets. Currently several projects in the lab relates to our interest in signaling downstream of the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R). The basis for this interest was the unexpected finding that the expression of the IL-4R on myeloid cells is essential for the activity of a drug (IVIG) used to treat patients with autoimmune disease, and that this receptor is highly regulated during inflammation (Anthony et al, 2011, Nature and Wermeling et al, 2013, PNAS). The applicant should have a background in biomedicine, molecular biology or similar, and preferably have some lab experience. If you are interested, send your CV and a motivation letter describing your background and research interests to fredrik.wermeling@ki.se. |