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ICA Speaker: Univ.Prof.Dr. Christian HuberUniversity of Salzburg, Department of Molecular BiologyHellbrunner Str. 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
ICA Secretary: Elisabeth EppacherFax: +43-(0)662-8044-5751, Email: [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL PhD PROGRAM Immunity in Cancer and Allergy – ICA
APPLICATION FORM
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If you have already obtained your degree, please scan the certificate and send a pdf-file.
Note: only diplomas and degrees equivalent to an Austrian Master's degree are acceptable.Among these are German diplomas as well as Master's and Bachelor's Honours degrees which include project work summarized in a written thesis (certain British or equivalent B. Sc. Honours projects may also be acceptable).
Candidates who have not yet obtained their degree will be accepted if they can make plausible that they will finish their studies within the next 6 months.
If you have already obtained a degree, please briefly specify in the space below the occupation(s) you have pursued in the interim.
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2
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Give a summary in tabular form of your education and training at the university, college, etc. (please do not exceed one page).
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Please list the courses you have taken and the grades obtained. Include all university level or other relevant courses. If you have passed final university examinations, please provide details (do not exceed one page).
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If you have any research experience, please list the techniques/methods you have learned and describe the nature of the project and your contribution (please do not exceed one page.)
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6
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Write a short essay about the area of research (within the scope of the ICA program) that you find most interesting (please do not exceed 300 words).
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In the Appendix of this application form (page 12) you find a short description of the thesis projects available.
You have to select 2 thesis projects (briefly justify your choice).
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Your second choice:
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Curriculum Vitae(please do not exceed one page)
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References
Please list below the names and addresses of the two referees to whom you have forwarded the recommendation form and who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
Note: The letters of recommendation are essential for your application which will not be processed without them. It is your responsibility to ensure that the referees send their recommendation on time.
Referee 1
First Name, Surname:University/College, Name and Address of Institution:Email:Telephone Number:
Referee 2
First Name, Surname:University/College, Name and Address of Institution:Email:Telephone Number:
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How did you become aware of our PhD program ?Poster, advertisement in…., www, word of mouth recommendation,or other (please specify)
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AppendixICA Thesis Projects
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Fritz Aberger
KeywordsHedgehog signaling, cancer stem cells, tumor immunity, tumor microenvironment
Research interest of the Faculty Member The Aberger group concentrates on the analysis of signaling pathways in cancer
development and stem cell control. In particular, the lab studies Hedgehog (HH)/GLI
signaling in malignant development and cancer stem cells, trying to identify interacting
oncogenic pathways that modulate the activity of HH/GLI signaling in the tumor and its
microenvironment. The lab also has a strong interest in how HH/GLI controls the anti-tumoral
immune response. Building on this knowledge, the Aberger group aims to develop novel
combination treatments targeting cooperative oncogenic cues and HH-regulated
immunosuppressive signals.
Contact:Fritz AbergerDepartment of Molecular Biology
Faculty of Natural Sciences
University of Salzburg
Hellbrunner Straße 34
5020 Salzburg, Austria
Phone: +43 662 8044 5792
Fax: +43 662 8044 183
www.uni-salzburg.at/aberger
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Hans BrandstetterKeywords Recombinant allergens, crystal structures, post-translational modifications, ligand binding,
proteolysis, transpeptidation / ligation
Research interest of the Faculty Member The Brandstetter lab investigates structural and functional hallmarks of allergenic proteins.
Of particular interest are their conformational transitions and posttranslational modifications
that enable, direct or protect from the proteolytic processing and ligation of allergens,
preceding their presentation. The group has made pioneering contributions to the pH-
dependent interdependence of proteolysis and transpeptidation /ligation in endolysosomal
proteases, partly resulting in non-linear, fused peptides. In cooperation with members of the
consortium the lab aims to determine the physiological significance of such non-canonically
processed peptides.
Contact:Hans BrandstetterDepartment of Molecular Biology
Faculty of Natural Sciences
University of Salzburg
Billrothstraße 11
5020 Salzburg, Austria
Phone: +43 662 8044 7270
Fax: +43 662 8044 7209
www.uni-salzburg.at/brandstetter
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Albert Duschl
Keywords Immunology, allergy, allergens, inflammation, signal transduction, bio/nano-interaction,
nanosafety
Research interest of the Faculty Member At the center of our interest are effects of various factors on the human immune system. We
are constantly subjected to a multitude of natural environmental stimuli (bacteria, viruses,
fungal spores, allergens, etc.), but anthropogenic factors are present as well and may be
increasing (fine dust, nanoparticles, exhaust gas, etc.). The current boom in nanotechnology
may create safety hazards, but also promises groundbreaking applications, including medical
ones. Against this background, investigations into nano-bio-interactions and into molecular
mechanisms of regulations for different immune cells have developed into our major areas of
research. Some hot topics:
Nanosafety —nanotechnology applies extremely small materials (1-100 mm), which have
novel and attractive properties based on low mass and high surface area, allowing new
technical applications. Due to their small size and their high surface reactivity they are able to
penetrate body barriers, like airways, lung and gastrointestinal tract, which may induce both
toxic and immuno-modulating responses. Biological effects can carry risks, but may also be
useful for medical applications.
Nano-Bio-Interactions —the highly reactive surface of nanomaterials causes quick and often
rather stable binding of biological molecules, mainly proteins, which affects reactions of the
body. This property may be used for intentional transport of proteins and other substances;
however, binding to nanosurfaces can alter structure and function of proteins. Consequences
for immunity are under study.
Interaction between unspecific and specific immune response — Dendritic cells recognize
foreign substances via „pattern recognition“ receptors, take up antigens and activate T-cells,
which induce now an immune response that will either result in defensive actions, or in the
establishment of tolerance. We focus on molecular mechanisms involved in activation of
dendritic cells, since they play a key role in deciding how the immune system will react to
non-self substances.
Contact:Albert DuschlDepartment of Molecular Biology
Faculty for Natural Sciences
University of Salzburg
Hellbrunnerstrasse 34
15
5020 Salzburg, Austria
Tel: +43 662 8044 5731
Fax: +43 662 8044 5751
www.uni-salzburg.at/tapir
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Fatima Ferreira
Keywords Pollen allergens, Ragweed pollen, Amb a 1 allergen, Birch pollen, Bet v 1 allergen, TH2
polarization
Research interest of the Faculty Member Ferreira’s group focuses on the development of safer and more efficient vaccines for
allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT). The group has made contributions in the molecular
and immunological characterization of tree and weed pollen allergens, as well as in the
development of the hypoallergen concept for immunotherapy. The rational design of
vaccines requires in-depth analyses of allergen structure and their physicochemical
properties, as well as their interaction with antibodies and immune cells. Thus, one major line
of research of the group investigates intrinsic and extrinsic factors involved in the TH2-biased
immune responses to allergens. Deciphering the elements responsible for allergenicity/
immunogenicity of pollen antigens expands our understanding of allergic sensitization and
has directly implications for allergy vaccines and beyond.
Contact:Fatima FerreiraDepartment of Molecular Biology
Faculty of Natural Sciences
University of Salzburg
Hellbrunner Straße 34
5020 Salzburg, Austria
Phone: +43 662 8044 5016
Fax: +43 662 8044 183
www.uni-salzburg.at/ferreira
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Iris Gratz
Keywords Immunology, immune regulation, T cell differentiation, T cells, regulatory T cells, Treg,
Foxp3, skin, autoimmunity, inhibitory molecules
Research interest of the Faculty Member The principal goal of Iris Gratz’ research is to investigate the mechanisms of immune
regulation in barrier tissues such as the skin. The research group has basic research
questions in which we aim to elucidate mechanisms of immune regulation in inflammatory
settings using novel and unique (humanized) mouse models of tissue (auto)immunity. In the
preclinical and translational arm of the group we have developed approaches to manipulate
immune responses in vivo and apply these to various clinically relevant inflammatory settings
such as skin grafting. Additionally, we are involved in clinical studies of skin gene therapy
where we study the participants’ systemic and local immune response. In summary, we aim
to understand basic mechanisms of tissue immune regulation and inflammation in several
model systems with the goal to lay the groundwork for novel therapeutic strategies to treat
chronic and debilitating inflammatory skin conditions.
Contact: Iris Karina GratzUniversity of SalzburgDepartment of Molecular BiologyDivision of Allergy and
ImmunologyHellbrunnerstraße 345020 Salzburg, Austria
Phone: +43 662 8044 5764
Fax: +43 662 8044 183
www.uni-salzburg.at/index.php?id= 25379&MP=77-44794
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Richard Greil
Keywords Cancer research, predictive markers, anti-tumor immunity, T-cells, clinical trials, translational
approaches, chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Research interest of the Faculty Member The main interest of this research group is tumor immunology and immunotherapy in cancer,
with a translational-clinical focus. We concentrate on tumor cell-immune cell interactions in
CLL and several other tumor entities (including multiple myeloma and AML)1. We and others
previously reported numerous T cell defects and severe T cell skewing in regard to subset
distribution and T cell receptor clonality alongside CLL development 2-6. Many of these effects
correlate with CLL staging and disease progression. Hence, a major issue in tumor
immunology is whether these T cell effects are a prerequisite for CLL development and
progression and whether these effects can be harnessed for immune therapeutic
approaches. Thus, our primary focus is antigen dependent and independent CLL/T cell
crosstalk in patients and in a murine model for this disease.
Contact: Richard GreilLaboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research
Salzburg Cancer Research Institute
Third Medical Department with Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology,
Rheumatology and Infectiology
Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg
Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Phone: 0043 5 7255 25800
Fax: 0043 5 7255 25998
www.salk.at/8913.html
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Tanja N. Hartmann
Keywords chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, microenvironment, integrin,
adhesion, cytoskeleton
Research interest of the Faculty Member Leukemia cell interactions with the microenvironment of bone marrow and secondary
lymphoid organs are the main focus of this research group. Our projects contribute to a
better understanding of (i) the migration- and adhesion processes underlying the infiltration of
lymphoid organs with leukemic cells, (ii) the biological mechanisms targeted by novel drugs,
and (iii) differences in these mechanisms in cells of different prognostic and clinical
subgroups and of patients with primary refractoriness or acquired chemoresistance.
We are particularly interested in how chemokine signals converge with CD44 (variants) and
integrins to be integrated in downstream migratory, adhesive and proliferative cues in chronic
lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We use in vivo and in vitro
approaches and primary tumor samples from our comprehensive biobanks to elucidate how
this machinery is regulated by quiescence or activation of leukemic cells and how the tumor
cells communicate with the immune system. Moreover, we recently reported that some
cytoskeletal elements downstream of classical homing receptors (integrin-linked kinase, Rac)
are recruited to the mitotic spindle during tumor cell proliferation (1, 2). We attribute this to
NF-kB and STAT3 signaling and are further following the oncogenic impact of cytoskeletal
modulations.
Contact: Tanja N. HartmannLaboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research
Salzburg Cancer Research Institute
Third Medical Department with Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology,
Rheumatology and Infectiology
Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg
Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Phone: 0043 5 7255 25845
Fax: 0043 5 7255 25998
http://www.limcr.at/en/scri/limcr/blog/priv-doz-dr-tanja-n-hartmann/5125
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Jutta Horejs-Hoeck
Keywords Molecular immunology, Dendritic cell -T cell interactions, cytokine signaling and feedback
regulation, TLR and NLR functions, allergic inflammation
Research interest of the Faculty Member In the last ten years, the team of Jutta Horejs-Hoeck has focused on molecular mechanisms
underlying allergic diseases. We investigate signaling processes and feedback regulation
involved in the differentiation and activation of human immune cells with a strong focus on
dendritic cells (DCs). Because of their potential to translate signals issuing from innate
immune cells into productive adaptive immune responses and due to their dominant role in
shaping T cell responses, DCs are not only crucial for maintaining health, but they also play
an important role in allergic disorders and cancer. We study cellular communication and
signal transduction induced by cytokines, TLR ligands and NLR-activation, and we are
interested in NLR functions beyond pattern recognition. In addition, we investigate molecular
mechanisms that tightly control immune responses (e.g. SOCS proteins, regulatory DCs).
Contact: Jutta Horejs-HöckDepartment of Molecular Biology
Faculty for Natural Sciences
University of Salzburg
Hellbrunnerstrasse 34
5020 Salzburg, Austria
Tel: +43 662 8044 5731
Fax: +43 662 8044 5751
Jutta [email protected]
www.uni-salzburg.at/tapir
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Christian Huber
Keywords Biological Chemistry, Bioanalytics, Protein Analysis, (Phospho-)Proteomics, Metabolomics
Research interest of the Faculty Member The research focus of our team regards the development and application of analytical
workflows to address biological questions in the fields of protein, proteome, metabolite, and
metabolome (and eventually transcriptome) analysis. Samples comprising cultured cells,
tissues, or biological fluids are processed and their constituents of interest (proteins or
metabolites) isolated for further determination. The analytical methods are primarily based
on instrumental, bioanalytical separation methods (liquid and gas chromatography, capillary
electrophoresis) in combination with mass spectrometry (time-of-flight-, triple-quadrupole-,
linear ion trap-, and Orbitrap mass analysis). Because of the enormous amount of generated
raw data, we collaborate with bioinformaticians and statisticians in order to properly interpret
the experimental data and put them into a biological context.
The major goal of our work is the collection of information about changes in protein or
metabolite concentration that are caused by stimulation of cell models (cancer stem cells,
dendritic cells, monocytes, hepatocytes, lung epithelial cells) upon treatment with drugs,
nanomaterials, or by diseases such as allergy or cancer. These changes allow us drawing
conclusions on the biochemical pathways and mechanisms involved in disease or toxic
effects of drugs and nanoparticles. In such experimental setups, we use, e. g., dendritic cells
isolated from human blood to study the effects of allergens on the immune system.
In a second focus area we collaborate with the pharmaceutical industry (Sandoz) and the
laboratory supplier industry (Thermo Fisher Scientific) in the Christian Doppler Laboratory for
Biosimilar Characterization. Here, we use our expertise for the in-depth protein
characterization (peptide mapping, sequencing, determination of impurities, glycosylation,
oxidation, and deamidation) to aid the industry in establishing workflows that guarantee the
safety and efficacy of their biopharmaceutical drug products. This research focus requires
intensive collaboration with groups of the department having expertise in protein production,
chemical protein modification, structural biology, and biochemical protein characterization.
Contact:Christian HuberDepartment of Molecular Biology
Faculty of Natural Sciences
University of Salzburg
Hellbrunner Straße 34
22
5020 Salzburg, Austria
Phone: +43 662 8044 5738
Fax: +43 662 8044 5751
www.uni-salzburg.at/molbiol/chemie
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Silja Wessler
Keywords Helicobacter pylori, inflammation, stomach cancer, signal transduction pathways
Research interest of the Faculty Member If not treated by antibiotics, the bacterial class-I carcinogen Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
colonizes the stomach of more than 50% of the world population. Persistent infections are
closely associated with the induction of a strong inflammation leading to ulceration, chronic
gastritis or B cell-originated MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma.
According to the Correa cascade, chronic gastritis can finally develop into gastric atrophy,
metaplasia, dysplasia, and finally into invasive gastric cancer. Infections with H. pylori are
often accompanied by the disruption of the healthy architecture of the gastric epithelium that
forms a functional barrier against pathogens in healthy individuals. Disruption of the epithelial
barrier function together with the attraction of immune cells is a key step in the pathogenesis
and malignant transformation. Hence, we are strongly interested in the interaction of H. pylori
with immune cells. In our projects, we are investigating the signal transduction pathways in
gastric epithelial host cells and in B cells. In particular, we are analysing the signal
transduction pathways induced by the translocated bacterial effector protein CagA (cytotoxin-
associated gene A) in B cells and the functional consequences of CagA phosphorylation and
processing in B cell function. The increasing knowledge of the mechanisms how H. pylori
manipulates host cells will help to understand why H. pylori is not cleared by the immune
system, but induces inflammation and neoplastic disease. This is an important aspect, which
is required to develop novel therapeutic intervention strategies.
Contact:Silja WeßlerDepartment of Molecular Biology
Faculty of Natural Sciences
University of Salzburg
Billroth Str. 11
5020 Salzburg, Austria
Phone: +43 662 8044 7210
Fax: +43 662 8044 7209
www.uni-salzburg.at/Wessler
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