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Using CRISPR genome screens and dual transcriptome analyses to dissect host-pathogen interactions in tuberculosis

Descrizione del progetto

Uno screening dell’intero genoma per innovativi obiettivi terapeutici contro la tubercolosi

La tubercolosi è un problema di salute globale esacerbato dall’emergere di patogeni resistenti ai farmaci. Per lo sviluppo di nuove terapie dirette all’ospite che aumentino la capacità del sistema immunitario di lottare contro il Mycobacterium tuberculosis è necessario comprendere l’interazione tra ospite e patogeno. Il progetto Host-TB, finanziato dall’UE, impiegherà la tecnologia di editing CRISPR per eseguire uno screening dell’intero genoma sui macrofagi umani infettati dal Mycobacterium tuberculosis. L’obiettivo chiave è quello di identificare i geni coinvolti nell’interazione con i patogeni, nonché caratterizzare in modo comprensivo i percorsi associati. I risultati del progetto dispongono del potenziale per condurre all’identificazione di nuovi bersagli terapeutici contro la tubercolosi.

Obiettivo

With more than 10 million cases annually, tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health problem. TB epidemic is exacerbated by the spread of multidrug-resistant TB. Host-directed therapies (HDTs) can improve immune mechanisms by augmenting the ability of host cells to kill M. tuberculosis (Mtb) or by modulating the immune response to prevent excessive inflammation, cell death and tissue damage. Progress with HDT development has been slowed down by the limited understanding of host-pathogen interactions during Mtb infection. Screens of the whole human genome can identify novel genes involved in the immune responses to Mtb infection and susceptibility to TB. Previously, we successfully used genome-wide association studies to identify human genes associated with susceptibility to TB. Here, we will for the first time use the groundbreaking CRISPR technology to screen the human genome in macrophages infected with Mtb and discover genes that are critically involved in host-pathogen interactions. Then, we will comprehensively characterise pathways that mediate impacts of these genes on both the human macrophage and the intracellular Mtb bacilli using dual transcriptome analyses and high-throughput microscopy assays. This novel approach will dissect crucial mechanisms of host-pathogen interaction during Mtb infection and will point to new targets for HDTs of TB.

Parole chiave

Meccanismo di finanziamento

ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant

Coordinatore

THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Contribution nette de l'UE
€ 1 366 940,49
Indirizzo
Trinity lane the old schools
CB2 1TN Cambridge
Regno Unito

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Regione
East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC
Tipo di attività
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Collegamenti
Altri finanziamenti
€ 0,00

Beneficiari (2)