Project description
The role of immune cells in memory and cognition
The brain was long considered to be an immunologically isolated system. However, emerging evidence reveals that immune cells play active roles in regulating brain function. Border-associated macrophages that line the brain’s interfaces have recently been implicated in supporting neuronal activity. However, it remains unknown how they communicate with neurons and influence cognition. To investigate this, the ERC-funded BAMneuro project aims to identify the molecular signals through which border-associated macrophages support neurogenesis and neuronal activation in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory. Using transcriptomics, proteomics, and targeted genetic tools, researchers will map this communication axis and examine how infection and inflammation disrupt it. In addition to fundamental insights, the project could open new therapeutic avenues for cognitive disorders.
Objective
The field of neuroimmunology is rapidly advancing, revealing that the brain does not function alone; immune cells play a significant role in modifying our behaviour in health and disease. While the brain itself lacks most immune cell types apart from microglia, the question arises: how do immune cells communicate with neurons and influence brain function? Interestingly, recent data indicate that the brain borders contain a massive network of immune cells, including border-associated macrophages (BAM). Using innovative depletion strategies based on transcranial drug delivery in mice and genetic models targeting BAM, my team discovered that in the absence of BAM, proliferation and activation of neuronal cells decrease in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory. The goal of ‘BAMneuro’ is to understand how BAM support neurogenesis, neuronal activation and if this promotes memory, in health and disease. To this end, I will combine bioinformatic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolic techniques to identify candidate molecules allowing BAM to communicate with neurons and boost neuronal functions. I will then analyse BAM-derived ligands in vitro for their capacity to stimulate neuronal functions using neurosphere assays, calcium imaging and electrophysiology. I will inactivate BAM-derived ligands in vivo using conditional knock-out mice and siRNA-loaded liposomes, both engineered to target BAM while sparing microglia, and assess neuronal functions in presence or absence of BAM ligands. Additionally, since cognitive functions are significantly impacted by infection and inflammation, I will study BAM neurocognitive properties following peripheral exposure to microbial challenge such as lipopolysaccharide and influenza. I plan to restore BAM-to-neuron communication if proven disrupted. By discovering new players controlling brain functions from the ‘outside’, this work should provide major conceptual and therapeutical advances in the field of neuroimmunology.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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)
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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.
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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.
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-COG
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75654 Paris
France
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