Characterisation of the interaction between Neisseria meningitidis and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

During infection with Neisseria meningitidis, an important causative agent of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, the host innate immune system clears bacteria by complement-mediated lysis and phagocytosis. In order to evade phagocytosis, the bacterium expresses a number of surface components, including a polysaccharide capsule and sialylated lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The aim of this project was to investigate the influence of bacterial metabolism and DNA repair on the interaction with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Results demonstrated reduced expression of the polysaccharide capsule and lowered LPS sialylation in a strain (ΔlctP) unable to acquire exogenous lactate, but no effect in a strain unable to utilise glutamate (ΔperM). These changes were associated with increased phagocytosis of fixed bacteria by the human PMN cell line, HL60. Further investigations showed that capsule expression in the ΔlctP strain was restored to wild-type levels following exposure of live bacteria to PMNs. Next, assays were established using primary human PMNs to investigate post-phagocytic events. The wild-type meningococcus survives within PMNs and is able to delay host cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the ΔlctP and ΔperM strains were significantly killed by PMNs, indicating a role for acquisition of both lactate and glutamate for survival in PMNs. Killing was dependent on actin polymerisation and the PMN oxidative burst. The role of the meningococcal Base Excision Repair (BER) DNA repair pathway was also investigated through characterisation of two Apurinic / Apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease paralogues, NExo and NApe. Both exhibit distinct biochemical functions and are required for resistance against oxidative stress. A strain lacking both these enzymes, which is attenuated in vivo, was significantly killed by human PMNs as a result of the oxidative burst

Book review: internationalisation of higher education and global mobility

Bernhard Streitwieser (ed.), Internationalisation of Higher Education and Global Mobility, Oxford Studies in Education. Series Editor David Phillips.(Oxford: Symposium Books, 2014), pp. 32

Research and higher education: UK as international star and closet European?

The research and higher education sectors have an exemplary place in the referendum debate. They were not part of the David Cameron renegotiation package. But stakeholders in favour of Remain have disrupted the consensus that in these sectors the EU’s role is relatively unimportant and that the UK’s achievements can be explained in national terms. The article seeks to explain first, the change in political dynamics that have brought the EU connections out of the shadows in these sectors, and second, what these sectors risk losing by a Brexit. It suggests that the campaign has made the case for a causal relationship between the UK’s higher education and research achievements and its global reach and it has shown how these sectoral policies are embedded in the EU’s foundational principles of freedom of movement and non-discrimination. There also signs that EU membership may come to matter to students, a politically important group, for reasons which range from freedom of movement to conflict prevention

But we can’t do it alone: the future of British universities post-Brexit

With the loss of EU funding and collaborative opportunities – as well as a shake-up of research councils – British universities must now work out how to stay internationally competitive. Anne Corbett identifies four options for maintaining the UK’s Top 10 position in the world rankings. She finds that while overseas expansion, MOOCs and recruiting more non-EU students are all viable strategies, it will be very difficult to match the existing EU funding and research structures

Commission hearing: just how much do British universities need the EU?

What impact would leaving the EU have on Britain’s higher education and research? The second hearing of the LSE European Institute’s Commission on the Future of Britain in Europe took place on 8 December. Convenor Anne Corbett reports on the discussion

Brexit was a huge shock for universities. Now we must regroup and deepen our European links

Universities were shocked and profoundly concerned by the Leave vote. So much collaboration between European universities has arisen from membership of the EU. Norwegian-style membership of the EEA would at least enable them to keep their involvement with programmes like Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020. But, writes Anne Corbett, now is the time to forge and deepen our European links thorough associations like Coimbra and the European University Association

El rol de la educación superior para el desarrollo humano y social en Europa

Este artículo es un análisis del modo en el que las dos regiones europeas de la UNESCO han recogido el llamamiento de la Conferencia Mundial sobre Educación Superior (CMES) de 1998 para apoyar el desarrollo humano y social. Recurre a documentación reciente para afirmar que las naciones de las dos Europas han mostrado cierta inquietud por la mayoría de los asuntos de la CMES al trabajar conjuntamente a través de diversas organizaciones e iniciativas internacionales, incluyendo la Unión Europea (UE), el Consejo de Europa y, sobre todo, el Proceso de Bolonia. Los mecanismos del Proceso de Bolonia proporcionan un modelo para la colaboración y para el desarrollo de una comunidad de práctica. Sin embargo, este documento indica que el desafío de la globalización en un mundo más interdependiente y conectado hace que sea urgente actuar más y, en particular, reconsiderar no sólo lo que hacen las universidades, sino lo que son, de modo que puedan reaccionar de la forma más efectiva a dichos desafíos. Enlazar los programas del Proceso de Bolonia y de la CMES podría ser un primer paso apropiado.Peer Reviewe

Moral panics about free speech: how should European universities respond?

If there are any institutions that should be above culture wars, they are universities, writes Anne Corbett. They live or die by their commitment to ethical standards in research, and their mission to ensure that students in the course of their studies learn to think critically about challenging ideas. Yet despite their achievements during the pandemic, universities are currently under attack by governments in many parts of Europe for allegedly embracing ideologies and restricting free speech. How might European higher education platforms help take the heat out of these polarising issues

Getting Brexit ‘done’ for higher education will be a struggle

The impact of Brexit in higher education cannot be measured by simply looking at the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The terms of the Withdrawal Agreement and the opportunities for an enhanced national policy need to be taken into account. While the deal may be promising for research, it can be seen as a backward step for higher education, says Anne Corbett (LSE)