Objective
CARDIO will develop a next-generation immunotherapy based on gene-engineered regulatory T cells (Tregs) to restore immune homeostasis during acute and chronic inflammation in cardiovascular disease. Myocardial infarction (MI), often caused by atherosclerosis (AS), is a leading cause of death in Europe—affecting one in seven women and one in six men. MI results from thrombotic occlusion following plaque rupture or erosion, leading to myocardial ischemia, cell death, and a self-perpetuating inflammatory response. This unresolved inflammation impairs tissue repair, drives adverse remodeling, and contributes to both acute and chronic heart failure (HF), with devastating impacts on patient quality of life and survival.
Given the heart’s negligible regenerative capacity, CARDIO will utilize Tregs to (i) suppress chronic inflammation within atherosclerotic plaques, preventing their rupture, and (ii) disrupt the acute inflammatory cycle post-MI to support myocardial healing. CARDIO Tregs will be derived from healthy donors as an allogeneic, virus-free gene-engineered “off-the-shelf” product. To enhance specificity and function, they will be equipped with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting myocardial (MYOCAR) and atherosclerotic (ASCAR) antigens. Upon antigen recognition, these CAR Tregs will secrete tolerogenic cytokines and suppress inflammatory macrophages and T cells—key drivers of fibrosis and plaque progression.
Using in vivo CRISPR screening and protein engineering, CARDIO will tailor Tregs to inflammatory niches, ensuring stability and effective immune modulation. The ultimate goal is to deliver the first cellular immunotherapy for reducing atheroprogression and improving post-MI recovery—transforming outcomes for patients and reducing cardiovascular mortality.
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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.2.1 - Health
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.1.5 - Tools, Technologies and Digital Solutions for Health and Care, including personalised medicine
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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-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
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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-HLTH-2025-01
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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.
97080 WURZBURG
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.