Objective Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major human pathogen and cutaneous infections are among the leading cause of emergency department visits. Unfortunately, S. aureus vaccine development is hindered by the lack of known correlates of protection. Three dimensional organotypic human skin models may represent a valid alternative to animal infection model.Indeed, S. aureus expresses several human-specific virulence factors. However, at the present such models have been rarely used in the S. aureus research field and, to our knowledge, never with immune-competent models. Therefore, a major aim of this proposal is to develop a human skin equivalent and integrate key immune components in the epithelial matrix. To accomplish this goal we will take advantage of cutting-edge technologies, such as induced pluripotent stem cells to generate macrophages and neutrophils. The model will be used and optimized to the following main objectives: better understanding of human-specific pathogenesis of S. aureus as well as protective mechanisms against the pathogen; development of the first immune-competent human skin models for vaccine research; determine the role of bacterial communities on skin infections; provide alternative methods to animal models. The proposed scientific program will be complemented with a number of training courses based on specific skills for which both the University of Utrecht and Novartis Vaccines are renowned. Complementary courses on dermatology, human skin infections, hydrogel scaffolds, mass spectrometry, and induced pluripotent stem technology, will be held by associate partners. At the end of the project the students will receive a PhD degree in the area of Infection and Immunity. We believe that this project is at the leading edge of science and technology and represents a good opportunity for students that are willing to grow both in basic science as well as innovative and applicative research. Fields of science medical and health sciencesclinical medicinedermatologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologymedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesstem cellsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsvaccinesnatural scienceschemical sciencesanalytical chemistrymass spectrometry Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.1. - Fostering new skills by means of excellent initial training of researchers Topic(s) MSCA-ITN-2015-EID - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN-EID) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-ITN-2015 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-ITN-EID - European Industrial Doctorates Coordinator GLAXOSMITHKLINE VACCINES SRL Net EU contribution € 516 122,64 Address Via fiorentina 1 53100 Siena Italy See on map Region Centro (IT) Toscana Siena Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM UTRECHT Netherlands Net EU contribution € 510 748,56 Address Heidelberglaan 100 3584 CX Utrecht See on map Region West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
