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CORDIS - Résultats de la recherche de l’UE
CORDIS

CAR-engineered Cell therapy for Cardiovascular diseases

Objectif

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)

Thème(s)

Régime de financement

HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions

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Appel à propositions

(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) HORIZON-HLTH-2025-01

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Coordinateur

UNIVERSITAETSKLINIKUM WUERZBURG - KLINIKUM DER BAYERISCHEN JULIUS-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAT
Contribution nette de l'UE
€ 2 573 777,28
Coût total
€ 2 573 777,28

Participants (6)