Project description
Studying the Epstein-Barr virus link to MS
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, often leading to disability over time. While treatments can slow the progression, they cannot stop it completely. A major breakthrough came with the discovery that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a significant risk factor for MS. This finding has opened new paths for research into the causes of the disease. With this in mind, the EU-funded BEHIND-MS project aims to understand how EBV triggers MS by studying the virus’ interaction with the immune system in patients. By developing new models and testing treatments, the project hopes to improve diagnosis and therapy options, ultimately reducing the burden of MS on patients and society.
Objective
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent neuroinflammatory disease. Despite new treatments that slow the progression of the disease, patients with MS (PwMS) frequently evolve towards major disability. The pathogenesis of MS is controversially debated, but the recent discovery that infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a major risk factor will radically change research avenues. The BEHIND-MS consortium ambitions to understand how EBV promotes MS development. To this end, we have established a multidisciplinary team that will for the first time draw a comprehensive map of the interactions between the virus and all arms of the immune system in the blood and brain of PwMS and how they ultimately lead to neural damage, in the context of genetic risk factors. We will also develop an in vitro model of MS that integrates the virus, the immune system and brain cells reprogrammed from the blood of the same PwMS. Thus, for the first time, we will study in the laboratory the complex molecular mechanisms that give rise to MS. Finally, we will develop an animal model of prodromal MS that would be a ‘game changer’ for our understanding of MS pathogenesis and allow testing of promising new treatments. The pivotal knowledge developed in this project will empower the entire healthcare value chain to work towards better clinical management of MS. A detailed understanding of EBV-MS interactions, combined with newly identified biomarkers, and study models will open the doors for researchers, clinicians and industry to capitalize on the mechanisms underlying EBV-MS interactions, and develop new diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic tools and guidelines. Throughout the project, an open dialogue with the main stakeholder representatives will ensure a mutual understanding of patient needs and project results. Ultimately, by contributing to improved risk analysis, stratification and treatment strategies, BEHIND-MS has the potential to reduce the burden of MS on society.
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.
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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.2.1.3 - Non-Communicable and Rare Diseases
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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-2023-DISEASE-03
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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.
69120 Heidelberg
Germany
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.