Project description
Revolutionary mRNA delivery enabling precise cell targeting
Conventional mRNA delivery methods often suffer from off-target effects, leading to unintended side effects. The ERC-funded CellCourier project aims to revolutionise mRNA delivery by enabling precise targeting of specific cell types through a platform that integrates single-cell genomics, computational modelling, and generative AI. The project will design peptide binders for lipid nanoparticles or self-assembling vehicles using unique surface codes derived from the Human Cell Atlas. Validation will occur both in silico and in vitro, with a focus on lung conditions such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and lung cancer. Additionally, the project intends to secure intellectual property rights for its innovations and explore commercialisation opportunities to advance targeted therapeutics and personalised medicine.
Objective
CellCourier aims to revolutionize mRNA delivery by enabling precise cell-type-specific targeting through a data-driven platform that integrates single-cell genomics, computational modeling, and generative AI. Conventional approaches often suffer from off-target effects, leading to unintended side effects. To address this, CellCourier leverages combinatorial peptide binder design to achieve precise cell-type recognition, enabling next-generation delivery modalities such as LNPs or STVs.
At the core of CellCourier is a computational pipeline that defines unique surface codes for target cells using single-cell transcriptomic data from the Human Cell Atlas (HCA). This process is enhanced by Nicheformer, a model for predicting cell-cell interactions, and Prophet, a deep-learning model for multi-omics perturbation prediction—both key outcomes of the ERC AdG DeepCell grant. Using these refined surface codes, we apply our all-atom generative model to design peptide binders optimized for high specificity and stability. A competitive binding pipeline, which has shown a threefold increase in hit rates, further refines peptide selection.
The process is validated both in silico and in vitro. During the ERC Proof of Concept (PoC) period, we will focus on demonstrating feasibility by targeting the lung using insights from the Human Lung Cell Atlas (HLCA), paving the way for novel treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and lung cancer.
Beyond technical validation, we will implement intellectual property (IP) protection strategies, securing patents for advanced peptide binders and their integration into innovative delivery systems. We will also explore commercialization pathways, including spin-off formation and pharmaceutical partnerships for out-license protected IP.
By providing the critical tools for precise, cell-type-specific mRNA delivery, CellCourier will establish a scalable and versatile platform, unlocking next-generation targeted therapeutics and transforming personalized medicine.
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 biological sciences genetics
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
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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)
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-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept 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-2025-POC
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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.
85764 Neuherberg
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.