Project description
A closer look at early RVFV infection
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne virus that has spread from Africa to Europe. A threat to humans and livestock, the virus’ spread is raising concerns about future outbreaks. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the INTERSECT project studies how the virus establishes infection in the skin immediately after a mosquito bite. Using 3D imaging, spatial transcriptomics, and virus-mapping techniques, it will show how RVFV replicates and interacts with the host’s immune system. The findings are likely to pave the way for the development of better therapies, vaccines, and outbreak prevention strategies.
Objective
Vector-borne viruses (arboviruses) pose an increasing global threat, causing widespread disease in both humans and animals with significant health and economic impacts. In Europe, the mosquito-borne Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) is especially concerning as this virus is expanding its territory beyond Africa, causing severe disease in both humans and ruminants. Despite ongoing research, critical gaps remain in understanding the RVFV infection cycle, particularly regarding the initial mechanism of mosquito mediated transmission. Supported by the Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions program, the INTERSECT project will expand knowledge on early RVFV infection in the skin using advanced virus particle analysis and 3D imaging techniques. These insights are crucial for developing targeted therapeutics and improve risk models.
The INTERSECT project aims to investigate early RVFV infection in the skin of its natural host, focusing on mosquito transmission and replication. The specific objectives are to 1) map the genomic composition and distribution of RVFV virions, 2) examine the initial infection in ruminant skin, and 3) elucidate the early host immune response. To address its aims, the project will analyze RVFV infected mosquitos, skin biopsies and sera from infected lambs to study RVFV transmission, replication dynamics, and host immune responses. The project will employ cutting-edge methodologies, including tissue optical clearing, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), advanced microscopy, and spatial transcriptomics to uncover critical insights into early RVFV infection mechanisms.
The project will provide advanced training in imaging and genomic analysis and enhance transferable skills through publications, presentations, and public engagement. INTERSECT will advance the scientific understanding of RVFV infection and develop methods applicable to other arboviruses, ultimately contributing to global health, informing vaccine development and outbreak prevention.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs vaccines
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology invertebrate zoology
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
6708 PB Wageningen
Netherlands
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.