Mechanisms of pathogen inhibition of NLR-mediated immunity (KAMOUNS_U25TSL)
Key Details
- Application deadline
- 10 December 2025 (midnight UK time)
- Location
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, UEA
- Funding type
- Directly funded (students worldwide)
- Start date
- 1 June 2026
- Mode of study
- Full-time
- Programme type
- PhD
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Project description
Primary supervisor - Professor Sophien Kamoun
Plants defend themselves against pathogens through an intricate immune system that includes intracellular immune receptors known as NLRs (nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat proteins). These receptors detect pathogen effectors—molecules secreted by microbes to promote infection—and trigger strong immune responses, culminating in localized cell death at infection sites.
Our laboratory has shown that a specific group of NLRs, termed helper NLRs, are central “nodes” in plant immune signaling networks. The NRC proteins exemplify this class. They activate cell death through the assembly of resistosome complexes at the plant plasma membrane. These helper NLRs act as executors of immune responses and integrate signals from multiple “sensor” NLRs, making them critical for disease resistance.
A recent breakthrough in our research uncovered how the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans—the agent of the Irish potato famine and still one of the most destructive crop pathogens worldwide—directly targets these central nodes. We focused on the effector protein AVRcap1b, an RXLR-LWY effector secreted by P. infestans. Our most recent studies revealed that AVRcap1b acts as a molecular bridge, interconnecting NRC helper NLRs with the ENTH-GAT pathway, thereby hijacking the plant ESCRT machinery to suppress immunity. This represents an unprecedented mechanism of pathogen interference with helper NLR pathways.
Aims of the Project
This PhD project will build on these findings to determine in molecular detail how AVRcap1b suppresses NRC-mediated immunity. The overarching goal is to define the interplay between AVRcap1b, ENTH-GAT, and NRC proteins, and to use this knowledge to further advance our understanding of plant immune receptor networks.
Entry requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Masters degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
Funding
This studentship is fully-funded for four years by the Sainsbury Laboratory. Funding includes tuition fees at either home-fee or International-fee rate and an annual maintenance stipend with UKRI rates (£20,780 for 2025/26). Note however, that visa expenses, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), or other costs incurred by moving to the UK will not be covered by the studentship.