Project description
Targeting inflammatory sites with novel immunotherapy
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of T lymphocytes with a key role in regulating the immune system by suppressing overactive immune responses and maintaining unresponsiveness to self-antigens. Tregs are emerging as clinical tools for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, with low doses of interleukin-2 (IL-2) being evaluated for their activation. Funded by the HORIZON programme, the TiilT project aims to develop third-generation IL-2 with improved properties. Researchers propose using antibodies against pro-inflammatory markers to target IL-2 to inflammation sites. This new formulation will be tested in preclinical models and optimised for use in cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.
Objective
As major players in the regulation of immune responses, regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important therapeutic targets for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) used at low doses (IL-2LD) stimulate and expand Tregs in vivo. While 1st-generation native IL-2LD are currently under extensive clinical evaluation, pharmaceutical companies are developing 2nd-generation IL-2 muteins with improved half-life and activity.
We aim to develop 3rd-generation IL-2 specifically targeting inflammatory sites (IL-2IT) by using antibodies (Abs) against oxidation specific epitopes (OSE) that are both universal markers and mediators of inflammation. IL-2-OSE-Ab fusion proteins should allow dampening of local inflammation by a double-hit mechanism involving Ab neutralization of pro-inflammatory OSE and IL-2 stimulation of Tregs.
As a proof of concept, we designed a first IL-2IT in which an IL-2N88R mutein is fused to an scFv from a prototypic anti-OSE Ab. This IL-2IT (i) binds to IL-2 receptors and OSE, (ii) has an extended half-life and (iii) superior therapeutic efficacy compared to native IL-2 in mice.
Our general objectives are to design an optimized IL-2IT by testing combinations of different anti-OSE Ab with IL-2 and IL-2 muteins, and to complete its preclinical development in mice and macaques.
We will validate the use of IL-2IT in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), i.e. atherosclerosis, vasculitis, myocardial infarction and SLE-associated CVD, as these conditions have been shown to be improved by Treg infusions, native IL-2 and OSE-Abs in mice.
Carried by leading experts in the use IL-2, OSE-Abs, models of CVD, and clinical trials with native IL-2, the successful validation of an IL-2IT will open a new era for highly selective and effective immunotherapies based on Treg stimulation for diseases that represent a leading cause of death and morbidity. Furthermore, it will validate the broader concept of targeting any therapeutic molecule to inflammatory sites.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine cardiology cardiovascular diseases arteriosclerosis
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology immunotherapy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.1 - Health
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.1.4 - Infectious Diseases, including poverty-related and neglected diseases
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-HLTH-2022-DISEASE-06-two-stage
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
75006 Paris
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.