CNS Hidden Door
Financiado
Uncovering molecular and cellular mechanisms of immune cell trafficking across t...
Uncovering molecular and cellular mechanisms of immune cell trafficking across the blood-CSF barrier in autoimmunity
Immune cells continuously traverse our body, crossing vascular and epithelial barriers; from lymphatic organs into the blood, and from the blood into various tissues for surveillance or to fight infection. However, the brain has l...
Immune cells continuously traverse our body, crossing vascular and epithelial barriers; from lymphatic organs into the blood, and from the blood into various tissues for surveillance or to fight infection. However, the brain has long been considered an immune-privileged organ. Barriers protecting the brain against infection or harmful toxic agents were also thought to block entry of immune cells, leaving immune functions to brain-resident microglia cells. This dogma was recently overturned when it became clear that immune cells cross, mainly for surveillance, especially at the Blood-CSF barrier. Furthermore, while harmful immune cell trafficking is a hallmark of brain autoimmunity, e.g. Multiple Sclerosis and Neuro-Lupus, enhanced trafficking might help to fight brain tumours, and even to resolve neurodegenerative conditions, e.g. Alzheimer’s Disease. Yet the study of immune cell trafficking across the Blood-CSF barrier is severely hampered by a shortage of suitable methodologies.
We investigated Blood-CSF barrier dysfunction in Lupus and discovered a brain lymphoid structure with enhanced immune cell trafficking. Dominant transepithelial leukocyte migration (through, rather than in between, cells) will enable us to catch the trafficking events ‘red-handed’ and to identify molecular and cellular trafficking mechanisms. Harnessing innovative methodologies involving single-cell RNAseq, Super-Resolution microscopy, Imaging cytometry, and genetic/pharmacological interventions, we aim to decipher the fundamental question of how leukocytes enter the brain. We will classify specialized immune and epithelial barrier cell types, identify trafficking molecular pathways, and develop approaches to regulate the process. We will also assess this barrier involvement in the pathobiology of human Neuro-Lupus disease.
Understanding immune trafficking mechanisms may be the key to a specialized brain portal, leading to therapeutics that can modulate brain-immune interactions.
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Duración del proyecto: 60 meses
Fecha Inicio: 2023-04-17
Fecha Fin: 2028-04-30
Fecha Fin: 2028-04-30
Línea de financiación: concedida
El organismo HORIZON EUROPE notifico la concesión del proyecto el día 2023-04-17
Línea de financiación objetivo
El proyecto se financió a través de la siguiente ayuda:
ERC-2022-COG:
ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS
Cerrada
hace 2 años
Presupuesto
El presupuesto total del proyecto asciende a
2M€
Líder del proyecto
THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM
No se ha especificado una descripción o un objeto social para esta compañía.
Perfil tecnológico
TRL
4-5
Perfil tecnológico
TRL
4-5