Doctor of Philosophy in Fundamental Immunology - Transplantation Immunology

The Department of Immunology offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in a wide range of immunological disciplines. These disciplines include molecular mechanisms of lymphocyte development and selection, T-cell and B-cell receptors, cell interactions, growth factor receptors, cytokine networks, antigen processing and presentation, signal transduction in lymphocytes, V(D)J recombination, anergy, apoptosis, transgenic and knock-out models, immuno-targeting and vaccine design, autoimmunity, AIDS, diabetes, and transplantation.
The department provides a common forum for investigators in many areas of U of T and an interdisciplinary research experience in immunology. Members and students in the department are located at the Medical Sciences Building, at the Ontario Cancer Institute, and at the Research Institutes of Mt. Sinai Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Sunnybrook Hospital. The PhD degree is an advanced research degree intended to reflect a level of training consistent with the ability of the candidate to function as an independent research scientist. This involves successful completion of course work reflecting a knowledge of modern immunology, as well as a demonstrated ability to carry out research of publishable quality.
Transplantation can be a potent modality for the treatment of end-stage organ failure. However, the recipient's immune system will recognize and respond to foreign antigens on grafts, which include both Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and minor histocompatibility (mH) antigens, leading to graft rejection. To prevent graft rejection, most transplant recipients are put on a life-long, combined immunosuppressive drug/steroid therapy. Despite the side effects and toxicity, this treatment is not effective to prevent chronic graft rejection. Furthermore, since immunosuppressive drugs non-specifically inhibit the immune system, recipients have a higher incidence of infections and malignancy. Currently, a major goal of transplantation is to induce unresponsiveness or tolerance in recipients specifically to donor antigens expressed on grafts while maintaining a healthy and intact immune system against third-party antigens, such as viruses. Based on the immune mechanisms leading to graft rejection, many strategies have been developed for tolerance induction and been shown effective in animal models. These strategies include preventing the activation of anti-graft T cells by blocking costimulatory molecules, eliminating activated anti-graft T cells. More recent studies also suggest a role for regulatory T cells in the induction of transplantation tolerance.

Applicants must have completed (or be in the final year of completing) an appropriate 4 year bachelor's degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, with an average of at least a B+ (minimum GPA of 3.3) in their final two years.
Applicants holding a BSc degree with an average of A- in the final two years of undergraduate study are encouraged to apply for direct entry into the PhD program.
Applicants to the PhD holding an MSc degree must have an average of at least B+ in that degree.

Minimum Requirements plus: MSc in Applied Immunology (Advanced Standing Entry)
basic understanding of immunology and immunological concepts
completion of the equivalent of the University of Toronto undergraduate courses IMM450Y1 and 2 of the following: IMM428H1, IMM429H1, IMM430H1, IMM431H1, or MIJ485H1
must already have a research supervisor who is a Faculty Member in the Department of Immunology

Minimum Requirements plus: MSc in Applied Immunology (Standard Entry)
basic understanding of immunology and immunological concepts
some research experience (i.e. via summer project or lab courses)

Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Intent
Three letters of reference
Unofficial transcripts issued by your university are acceptable
GRE scores are NOT required

IELTS - Minimum required score 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component.
TOEFL IBT - Overall Score - 93, Writing and Speaking- 22, TOEFL Paper-based Test - Overall Score 580 TWE 5