Project description
Uncovering new immune pathways in the gut
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are lipid molecules on cell surfaces that serve as entry points for many gut pathogens. Recent findings suggest that GSL clustering by microbes activates a novel immune response that limits pathogen uptake. This pathway reveals an unexpected, protective role for GSLs in mucosal immunity. However, it remains unclear how GSL binding initiates this response. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GlycoGuard project aims to delineate the molecular mechanism underlying this immune pathway and explore how microbiota influence it. Project results are expected to improve our understanding of how external signal sensing activates immune responses and how this can be explored in the development of infection-resistant therapies.
Objective
Pathogens exploit glycosphingolipids (GSLs) on the surface of gut epithelial cells to initiate infection. A recent breakthrough has uncovered a novel, cell-autonomous immune response in which multivalent clustering of GSLs by bacterial toxins or viruses triggers the degradation of the cell polarity protein PARD6B, leading to reduced pathogen uptake. This novel GSL-PARD6B pathway highlights the critical role of GSLs in mucosal immunity. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which GSL binding initiates this intracellular signaling cascade and the subsequent changes to the host membrane composition are not fully understood. By integrating novel biochemical techniques with my existing skills in GSL-pathogen research, I will:
1) Define the triggering mechanism of the GSL-PARD6B pathway and,
2) Determine the effects of the microbiota and the GSL-PARD6B pathway on plasma membrane composition.
This work will reveal how extracellular signals are translated across the plasma membrane to modulate intracellular responses and uncover mechanisms that protect against infection.
Overall, the GlycoGuard project intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of the GSL-PARD6B pathway, advancing our knowledge of host-pathogen interactions and paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies against infections. Additionally, this grant will enhance my skills as a researcher and provide the foundation to establish myself as an independent scientist.
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 biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
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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.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
405 30 Goeteborg
Sweden
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.