Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English en
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Targeting B cell Activation driven by Natural Killer cells

Project description

Reducing B cell hyperactivity in autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases, such as primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS), pose health risks, with treatments focusing on symptom relief. There is a need for new biomarkers and more effective therapies. B cells play a key role in the development of pSS, and targeted therapies aimed at modulating their activation are currently in clinical trials. Reducing B cell hyperactivity is crucial for long-term disease management. With support from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the TABANK project will investigate the immune network in pSS patients and their inflamed salivary glands. The project aims to create a detailed database of immune cell profiles, identify interactions that drive B cell activation, and validate these findings through ex vivo culture studies.

Objective

Autoimmune diseases affect nearly 4% of the world’s population and can be life-threatening. Among them, primary Sjögren Syndrome (pSS) is the most common systemic autoimmune disease. Unfortunately, to date, treatments are focusing on relieving symptoms. It is of public relevance to find potential new biomarkers for treatments. B cells are one key player in pSS and promising drugs targeting B cell activation are currently under phase 3 clinical trials. Restraining B cell hyperactivity is central to treating pSS permanently. Hence, instead of targeting B cell activation, pSS treatments would also benefit from targeting signals or interactions leading to B cell activation. The TABANK project aims to address this hypothesis by using cutting-edge technologies (high-parameter flow cytometry, single-cell sequencing technologies and unsupervised analysis) to interrogate the immune network in the circulation of pSS donors as well as in the inflamed environment of impaired salivary glands. This overarching goal will be achieved by (i) Compiling a comprehensive database of immune cell profiles in pSS using both single-cell sequencing and high-parameter mass and flow cytometry; (ii) Determining potential interactions of immune cells leading to B cell activation using a novel computational approach; and (iii) Validating these interactions using ex vivo culture. TABANK will be conducted at the Lymphocytes B, Autoimmunity and Immunotherapies center, Université of Brest Occidentale a leading research institution in the study of immunotherapies for B cell diseases. This project will be supervised by two leading experts in autoimmune diseases and B cell biology. This unique synergy, in addition the researcher’s own expertise in examining immune responses in human tissues, particularly oral mucosal tissues, will precondition the project for success while facilitating a mutually beneficial, two-way transfer of knowledge.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

UNIVERSITE DE BREST
Net EU contribution
€ 211 754,88
Address
RUE MATTHIEU GALLOU 3
29200 BREST
France
Region
Bretagne Bretagne Finistère
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data