Objective
Sepsis is a global health challenge, accounting for around 20% of deaths worldwide. While sepsis is induced by uncontrolled dissemination of infection, significant contribution to disease pathogenesis is made by overwhelming production of proinflammatory mediators, a so-called “cytokine storm”. There is a pressing need for new target therapies to dampen this immunopathogenesis while still allowing bacterial clearance. Although Natural Killer (NK) cells are vital for host innate responses, they are important contributors to the tissue damage during bacterial sepsis, in particular, via production of excessive amounts of IFNg. Therefore, dampening NK cell IFNg production represents a promising tool for sepsis treatment. Recent studies from the host institution have shown that metabolic processes are essential for NK cell functions. In particular, certain amino acid transporters are key to support IFNg expression by NK cells. I thus hypothesize that limiting amino acid supply to NK cells will restrict production of IFNg, dampen the cytokine storm, and improve the course of bacterial sepsis. To prove this idea, I will combine my experience in mouse models of septic shock with host institution’s background on immunometabolism and bacterial infections. First, I will employ a powerful “metabolic toolbox” established at the supervisor’s lab to characterize metabolic phenotype of NK cells in bacterial sepsis. Next, I will use mice with genetic ablation of key amino acid transporters specifically in NK cells to study their role in “cytokine storm” during sepsis. Finally, I will test pharmacological compounds, able to limit amino acid availability, for their potential to prevent excessive inflammation during sepsis. At the end of the project, I will acquire key professional skills, including “metabolic toolbox” and bacterial infection model, that will benefit my further career, as well as characterize new potential therapeutic opportunity for treatment of sepsis.
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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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-MSCA-2022-PF-01
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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.
D02 CX56 Dublin
Ireland
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.