Project description
Neuronal control of immune trafficking in the intestine
The intestine contains a network of lymphatic vessels and lymphoid structures (Peyer’s patches) that play a central role in immunity. Disruption of the lymphatic network and immune cell trafficking contributes to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease. The EU-funded EMPHATIC project will investigate the role of neuronal signals in the function of lymphatic endothelial cells in Peyer’s patches. Researchers will combine mouse models, single-cell RNA sequencing, advanced imaging and human samples to understand how the neuronal-lymphatic axis regulates immune cell trafficking. Project results will offer new possibilities for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders.
Objective
The intestine hosts a vast neuronal system, a large population of immune cells, diverse microbiota, and a complex blood and lymphatic network. The intestinal lymphatic network comprises vessels and lymphoid organs, called Peyer’s patches (PPs), that together play important roles in dietary fat absorption, mucosal immune responses and trafficking of immune cells to the rest of the body. This intestinal immune cell trafficking is key in gut-to-organ communication, and its disruption leads to immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PP lymphatics are major routes for B- and T-cell egress from the intestine. Yet, little is known about the specific signals that modulate lymphatic control of immune cell trafficking.
This project aims to explore the novel hypothesis that a synergistic interaction between neuronal signals and PP lymphatics modulates immunity and inflammation. Building on insights from single-cell RNA sequencing of PPs, I will investigate the role of the adrenergic receptor ADRA1B in lymphatic endothelial cells. This research will focus on characterizing the molecular changes in PP lymphatic cells and elucidating patterns of immune cell egress from the gut. Also, I will examine how adrenergic signalling influences PP lymphatic function and immune cell trafficking under inflammation, mimicking IBD condition. Lastly, I will extend these findings from mouse models to humans by defining the architecture and molecular signatures of human PP endothelial cells.
This multidisciplinary project will integrate high-resolution imaging, intravital microscopy, and deep molecular profiling of both mouse and human endothelial cells to uncover this previously unexplored neuronal-lymphatic-immune axis. Given the physiological relevance of PP lymphatics as major intestinal immune gatekeepers, this work will provide novel insights into gut homeostasis and open new therapeutic avenues for treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
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.
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
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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.4.1 - Widening participation and spreading excellence
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-WIDERA-2024-TALENTS-02
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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.
1649 023 LISBOA
Portugal
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.