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DNA-sensing by AIM2 in activated B cells: novel targets to improve allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Project description

Novel targets to improve allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

B cells are pivotal in chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), which is the most common cause of late non-relapse morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Recent single-cell RNA-sequencing studies demonstrated that AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) is upregulated in cGVHD patient B cells. Upon DNA binding, the AIM2 protein induces AIM2 inflammasome formation and triggers pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Other related studies showed that the enzyme DNase1L3 regulating extracellular DNA exposure could play a pivotal role in B cell development. The EU-funded DABAT project will investigate AIM2 and DNase1L3 in human B cells and in mouse in vivo models. The research will address intrinsic molecular programmes underpinning B cell pathobiology and agents targeting B cells which can be developed for cGVHD treatment.

Objective

A recent paradigm shift is that B cells are pivotal in chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD), which is the most relevant cause of late non-relapse morbidity and mortality after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. DABAT’s project hypothesis is that 1) DNA-sensing by AIM2 supports cGVHD pathological B cells through autocrine regulations and that 2) their DNase1L3 expression modulates DNA-sensing by AIM2. Doctor Sarantopoulos (Duke University, US, supervisor for the outgoing phase) recently performed a single cell RNA-Sequencing experiment showing that AIM2 is upregulated in cGVHD patient B cells. Upon DNA binding, the AIM2 protein induces AIM2 inflammasome formation that triggers pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. The survival and function of pathological B cells in cGVHD seem to be based on similar mechanisms to those of marginal zone (MZ) B cells. Doctor Sisirak (Bordeaux University, France, supervisor for the incoming phase) showed that DNase1L3, a major enzyme regulating extracellular DNA exposure, could play a pivotal role in MZ B cells development. The researcher will conduct the DABAT project under the supervision of these two internationally recognized experts in cGVHD B cells and DNase1L3. He will study AIM2 and DNase1L3 in human B cells and in mouse models. This fellowship will provide him with advanced technical training in B cell studies, flow cytometry, transcriptomic, histopathology and animal handling. He could identify intrinsic molecular programs underpinning B cell pathobiology, so that agents targeting B cell can be developed to treat cGVHD. He will be the main spokesperson of the project to a large audience. This fellowship will be a crucial step to extend his knowledge, to develop his communication, management and leadership skills, and to enlarge his international professional network. He will then become a mature and independent researcher enriching EU expertise and networking in Immunology and Transplant Immunology.

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITE DE BORDEAUX
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 275 619,84
Address
PLACE PEY BERLAND 35
33000 BORDEAUX
France

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Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine Aquitaine Gironde
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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.

€ 275 619,84

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