Dr Hannah Bridgewater

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus associated with the development of both lymphoid and epithelial tumours; and most recently, implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases such as MS, ME and long COVID. A key challenge in the study of EBV in epithelial cells is that in vitro models are not well developed, with the more advanced models being developed in B cells. This is due to the difficulty in establishing infection in epithelial cells in cell culture. Working alongside Prof. Lawrence Young in the Medical school, my group is working to overcome this. We are interested in understanding latent vs lytic EBV infection and in therapeutically targeting epithelial based EBV positive tumours.

With my early research years focusing on metallodrug, my group will also continue to collaborate on projects studying these therapeutic avenues as well, in a variety of cancer types.

Other research interests lie around the resolution of inflammation and impaired immunity. This work extends from a post-doctoral position I held with Prof. Derek Gilory at UCL, and we continue to work in collaboration.

Scientific Inspiration

CAROL GREIDER: female Nobel laureate paving the way for women in STEM.

Research Groups

Cells & Development

Microbiology & Infectious Disease

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: supportive, collaborative, insightful.

Provision of Training

At the start of your PhD I will provide all training, leading to increasing independence throughout your PhD.

Progression Monitoring and Management

At the start of your PhD we will have weekly meetings and I will be available daily to drop by, moving to independence towards the end of your PhD (perhaps biweekly catch up meetings) and in a time scale that suits the individual students. This also may not be a linear process.

Communication

I am known to email my team/PhD students at all hours of the day and night, however I will not expect you to do the same. The team has a WhatsApp group chat with which we regularly communicate.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per fortnight

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

Meetings will be a mixture of face to face, via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response every working day.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Current Projects (2025-26)

Primary supervisor for:

CASE: Generating epithelial differentiation models to explore impact of oral mucosal immunity on EBV replication

See the Industrial Collaboration PhD Studentships page to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

CASE: Generating epithelial differentiation models to explore impact of oral mucosal immunity on EBV replication

University of Registration: University of Warwick

Non-academic partner: Dr Elliot Bland, isoBio

Project Outline

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus1 associated with the development of both lymphoid and epithelial tumours; and most recently, implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases such as MS, ME and long covid2. A key challenge in the study of EBV in epithelial cells is that in vitro models are not well developed, with the more advanced models being developed in B cells3.

This project will aim to develop cutting edge models of epithelial differentiation and organotypic raft cultures for the study of EBV life cycle. These models are well defined for other purposes but have not been established in the context of EBV. This will involve first setting up the model systems and then validating which models allow for EBV replication. Techniques will include 3D culturing of cells, differentiating stem cells, RNAscope and RNASeq for example.

More complex in vitro models of EBV life cycle will be a key starting point in determining virus ability to reactivate in tissues and systems to measure therapeutic and immunological blocking of viral replication. Therefore, following model validation, the models will be used as a platform to test for IgG (systemic immunity) vs IgA (mucosal immunity) ability to halt viral replication. Resulting in an interesting comparison between antibody isotypes and therefore systemic and mucosal immunity.

This project includes collaboration with iosBio, a vaccine company developing oral vaccine against EBV. Antibodies tested will be generated from lead vaccine candidates from this company.

Objectives

1. Develop organotypic raft models of epithelial differentiation

2. Monitor EBV replication in these models

3. Fully characterise models that allow for EBV replication

4. Test antibody isotype and their ability to prevent EBV replication

References

1. Bridgewater, H. E., et al. (2020). The Epstein-Barr Virus-Encoded EBNA1 Protein Activates the Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) Signalling Pathway to Promote Carcinoma Cell Migration. Pathogens, 9(7), 594. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9070594.

2. Young, L. S., Yap, L. F., & Murray, P. G. (2016). Epstein-Barr virus: more than 50 years old and still providing surprises. Nature reviews. Cancer, 16(12), 789–802. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc.2016.92.

3. Bierbaumer, L., Schwarze, U. Y., Gruber, R., & Neuhaus, W. (2018). Cell culture models of oral mucosal barriers: A review with a focus on applications, culture conditions and barrier properties. Tissue barriers, 6(3), 1479568. https://doi.org/10.1080/21688370.2018.1479568.

Candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Hannah Bridgewater to discuss the project before applying if they wish to.

Application

Deadline: 16 January 2025

To apply for a CASE studentship, please check your eligibility and complete the MIBTP application process.

Please ensure that you;

Apply directly to the University of Warwick
Clearly state you are applying for a CASE project and stipulate the project title.
Please also complete the online ED&I formLink opens in a new window