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Staff Profile

Dr Andrew Knight

Senior Lecturer

  • Address: School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences
    M1034 1st Floor Catherine Cookson Building
    Faculty of Medical Sciences
    Newcastle University
    Framlington Place
    Newcastle upon Tyne
    NE2 4HH. UK
Background

Qualifications

Senior Fellowship of the HEA (2016)

Professional Certificate in University Teaching (Stages 1/2). University of Edinburgh (2003)

Ph.D. (Immunogenetics); MRC Clinical Research Centre, Harrow. Middx. 1993

Grad. I. Biol. (Biochemistry); North East Surrey College of Technology, Ewell. Surrey. 1987

Previous Positions

2003-2005

Wellcome Trust Teaching Fellow.

Institute for Immunology and Infection Research (IIIR), School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Laboratories, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

1999-2003

Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellow

Institute for Immunology and Infection Research (IIIR), School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Laboratories, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

1994–1999

Senior Post-Doctoral Research Assistant, Department of Biochemistry, Medical Sciences Institute, University of Dundee, Dundee

1988-1993

Scientific Officer (part-time Ph.D. student) Transplantation Biology Section, Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, Middlesex

1986

Junior Research Technician, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Haddow Laboratories, Sutton, Surrey


Memberships

British Society For Immunology (BSI)

Secretary Immunology North East (BSI regional group) (2006-2014)

Treasurer Immunology North East (2017-


Research

Previous research interests


For the initiation of the CD4+ T cell response, native protein antigens (Ag.) must be captured, intra-cellularly processed, complexed with molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II region and re-expressed on the cell surface of antigen presenting cells (APC).

The use of specific Ag. receptors expressed on the surface of APC has been shown to enhance this process by several orders of magnitude. As well as producing antibodies, B cells function as APC and express several surface Ag. receptors.

My interest lies in these specialized antigen receptors and is aimed primarily at understanding the role of B cells as APC in mediating immunity to invading pathogens. I am also interested in situations where B cell APC function has apparently become de-regulated leading to the development of autoimmunity (in collaboration with Jeremy Palmer and John Robinson (Musculoskeletal Research group) as well as a possible role for B cells in tumour surveillance (in collaboration with John Kirby).

Postgraduate Supervision

1. Faculty of Medicine/Institute of Cellular Medicine-funded PhD studentship: "Biliary autoantigen acquisition and presentation by B lymphocytes." 2010-13. The University of Newcastle upon Tyne; Co-supervisor

2. Arthritis Research UK-funded PhD studentship: "The role of B cells as antigen presenting cells in a model of Rheumatoid Arthritis." 2009-12. The University of Newcastle upon Tyne; Main supervisor

3. Self-funded Studentship. "Generation and Testing of a novel multimeric C3d based adjuvant." 2008-2012; The University of Newcastle upon Tyne; Co-supervisor

4. Arthritis Research UK -funded Ph.D. Studentship "The Role of B Lymphocytes in Processing and Presentation of the Candidate Joint Autoantigen, Aggrecan in a Model of Rheumatiod Arthritis." 2006-2009. The University of Newcastle upon Tyne; Main supervisor

5. Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) Breast Clinic Appeal-funded Ph.D. Studentship.

"Understanding the mechanisms involved in the immuno-recognition of breast cancer cells" 2006-2009. The University of Newcastle upon Tyne; Main supervisor

6. BBSRC Case Studentship. "The Novel C3d Co-presentation Approach to Developing a Vaccine Targeting PfEMP-1." 2001-2004. The University of Edinburgh/Adprotech Ltd. ; Co-supervisor

7. Wellcome Trust 4-Year Ph.D. Programme. "Presentation of native antigen to B cells." 2000-2004. The University of Edinburgh; Main supervisor

8. Self-funded Studentship. “Host and Parasite Genes Involved in Immunity to Plasmodium chabaudi.” 2000-2003. The University of Edinburgh; Co-supervisor.


Keywords

B cells, antigen processing and presentation, complement receptors, autoimmunity, cancer immunology.

Teaching

Undergraduate



Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences (BSc Honours programme)

Stage 3 module co-module leader "Research Project'


Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours

Stage 3 module leader/lecturer "Immunology of Health and Disease"

Stage 3 lecturer "Medical Biotechnology"

Stage 2 module leader/lecturer "Cell and Molecular Biology of the Immune System"

Stage 2 lecturer "Cell Biology and Disease'

Stage 2 lecturer "Clinical Immunology and Viral pathogens"


Biochemistry BSc Honours

Stage 3 lecturer "Applied Biochemistry"


SBNS personal tutor

SBNS TEL representative


Staff Development (2013-2019)

Faculty of Medical Sciences Faculty Programme Liason Officer (FPLO) for the Certificate in Advanced Studies in Academic Practice (CASAP) (2013-2019)

AdvanceHE (formerly Higher Education Academy) Senior Fellow (2016)


Administration

School of BNS, co-chair of Phase II Biomedical Sciences Curriculum Committee 


External examiner

University of Edinburgh, School of Biological Sciences: 3rd/4th year Immunology course (2022-

University of Glasgow, School of Life Sciences: 2nd year BSc. courses (2020-2024)

University of Liverpool: BSc. Genetics and Molecular Biology (2015-2019)


PhD assessment panel






Publications