June 9, 2020
Project: Developing a system of human myeloid progenitor transfusions to address the problem of neutropenia in patients
Description:
- Individuals with neutropenia (low neutrophil counts) are some of the most immunocompromised and at risk of fatal bacterial and fungal infections.
- While the transfusion of red blood cells and platelets is commonplace, there is no effective and available white blood cell transfusion product.
- The goal of this project is to develop a system of ex vivo expansion of myeloid progenitors and to characterize these cells in pre-clinical functional assays.
- The ultimate goal is to develop a transfusable white blood cell product that could be commercialized and delivered to vulnerable patients.
The ideal applicant would have experience with:
- Tissue culture
- Retroviral and lentiviral transduction
- Viability assays
- Immunoblotting and ELISAs
- Basic molecular biology techniques
The ideal applicant would be:
- Highly motivated
- Highly curious
- Extremely well organized
- Capable of mentoring a research technician
- An excellent communicator
Duration: 2+ years
Potential applicants may reach out to David Sykes directly (DBSYKES@mgh.harvard.edu).