Objective
Despite significant medical advancements, cancer remains a major cause of mortality worldwide, and several cancer types still lack efficient therapy, in part due to resistance to traditional immunotherapy (IT). Endothelial cells (ECs) present an important yet overlooked modulator of tumor immunity, possessing an immunosuppressive nature, and proposed to contribute to IT resistance. Studies of the host lab indeed identified immunomodulatory features in EC subsets (coined IMECs). My central hypothesis is that targeting immunosuppressive (IMMUSUP) genes in tumor ECs may promote anti-tumor immune reaction to overcome resistance and improve the efficacy of traditional IT. The aim of this work is to identify novel, IMMUSUP genes expressed by tumor ECs and assess the potential of targeting these genes in vivo to promote anti-tumor immune response. I will explore in particular mystery genes (with poor functional annotation, ca 1/3 of the mammalian coding genome and an unexplored resource of potential targets) to maximize the identification of novel IMMUSUP genes beyond the currently used targets in traditional IT. Thus, I will (i) identify and prioritize EC IMMUSUP genes using artificial intelligence/machine learning approaches and (ii) in silico bioinformatics coupled to a mystery-genome wide siRNA screen to reveal IMMUSUP activity; (iii) confirm IMMUSUP targets via lipid nanoparticle-based siRNA delivery to generate EC-specific knockdown mice in models of lung, esophageal, and liver cancer; and (iv) determine the Mode of Action of the most promising targets using multidisciplinary approaches. My work will yield insights about previously unknown drug targets in tumor ECs, potentially paving the way for development of alternative IT with enhanced efficacy. My prior experience in immunology and bioinformatics combined with the host lab's expertise in EC (dys)function and single cell -'omics' technologies will ensure high quality execution of this project.
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.
- social sciences sociology demography mortality
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology immunotherapy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
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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.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-2023-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.
9052 ZWIJNAARDE - GENT
Belgium
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.