Objective
T cells are part of the adaptive immune response. Breaking the dogma of the brain immune privilege I demonstrated the presence of T cells in the healthy brain. In the mouse brain they regulate neuronal morphology and behavior. Surprisingly, brain T cells respond and proliferate upon exposure to an enriched environment (EE), suggesting a connection between neural activity and brain T cells. EE involves motoric, sensory and social stimulation. Exposure of rodents to EE increases neurogenesis, enhances learning and memory, with proven beneficial effect in neuropathology. How brain T cells can respond to EE and eventually modify the brain is unknown. I hypothesize that upon EE, T cells adapt their molecular profile and acquire an immunomodulatory phenotype to support the changes occurring in the brain. My overarching goal is to understand how EE modulates immune-brain interactions and to harness emerging discoveries to develop novel therapeutic interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders, that mimic the beneficial effects of EE. Currently, research into brain functions of T cells is limited by absence of research tools to deplete T cells in the brain only. The proposed project will overcome these limitations by developing a novel gene therapy approach for depleting brain T cells . First, I will investigate how EE influences brain immunity. Then I will take the opposite approach, investigating whether and how brain immune cells act as a necessary mediator of EE-induced brain plasticity, making use of the new nanobody-based tool to deplete brain T cells. These complementary approaches will allow me to mechanistically decipher how experience influences interactions between the brain and the immune system. Finally, using the Fragile X mouse model of Autism, I will translate the knowledge gained from brain resident T cells into impactful proof-of-concepts for treating neurological diseases and mimicking the benefits of environmental enrichment through immunotherapy
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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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) ERC-2024-STG
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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
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