Autoantibodies in post-acute infection syndromes

Post-acute infection syndromes are debilitating chronic conditions which disproportionately affect women as early as adolescence and into midlife.

Triggered by infection with viruses and other pathogens these syndromes include Long COVID, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

These conditions share symptoms and are often diagnosed in parallel. However, the pathogenic causes of these conditions remain unknown and therefore limiting treatment options and delaying diagnosis. One hypothesised cause of chronic symptoms in post-acute infection syndromes is self-reactive autoantibodies which can target tissue causing damage. 

The aim of this project is to understand the role of autoantibodies and their differential detection across post-acute infection syndromes.

Students will develop and perform serological assays to quantify the presence of autoantibodies to a range of different human antigens. They will screen plasma/serum samples isolated from people living with post-acute infection syndromes and integrate these data with matched patient reported outcomes. The detection of elevated autoantibodies will be validated using functional in vitro assays and/or imaging techniques.

Students will work within a multidisciplinary collaborative team of virologists, immunologists, Infectious Diseases Physicians, and research nurses across two major health services (Monash Health and Alfred Health) and physicians from Long COVID clinics.

Students will have opportunities to coordinate the collection and processing of blood samples taken from study participants, to collaborate with consumer health organisations and to perform quality of life research in parallel.

Honours scholarships are available.