Project description
The protozoan parasite Leishmania is the cause of human diseases known as leishmaniasis. Leishmania pathology can take different forms, from simple skin lesions (cutaneous leishmaniosis) to potentially fatal visceral infection (visceral leishmaniosis). The intracellular parasite infects macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils, which all play a crucial role in T lymphocyte activation and inflammatory responses. Our laboratory uses molecular and cell biology approaches to elucidate the mechanisms by which Leishmania alters the host cell membrane fusion machinery, and to study the consequences of these alterations on the functionality of infected cells and on the immune response.
Research areas
- host-pathogen interactions
- cell biology
- immune response
- Leishmania
- macrophages
Starting date
Fall 2020
Research advisor
Albert Descoteaux, professor
Financial support
This project is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Furthermore, INRS offers Every student-researcher benefits from a grant during their higher education studies.
Program of study
Master’s in virology and immunology (French description) or PhD in virology and immunology (French description)
Profile
The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree (with a minimum average of 3/3.4) or a MSc degree (or equivalent for the Ph.D programme) depending on the program of interest and experience in microbiology, immunology or cell biology.
Location
Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre
531, boulevard des Prairies
Laval, Québec G7V 1B7
Canada
How to apply
Interested candidates can submit their application to Albert Descoteaux by using the online form. must submit The application must include:
- CV
- their curriculum, an official transcript
- a motivation letter
- the name and contact information of two references.
Questions
Albert Descoteaux, PhD
Email : albert.descoteaux@iaf.inrs.ca
Phone : 450-687-5010 extension 4465