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Anti-IgLON5 disease: From Neuroinflammation to Neurodegeneration

Project description

Training future experts in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration

Anti-IgLON5 disease is a recently identified neurological condition that combines features of autoimmunity and neurodegeneration. It is characterised by antibodies against the neuronal adhesion protein IgLON5 and is associated with severe sleep and movement disorders, as well as poor response to immunotherapy. Understanding this complex disease could unlock insights into a range of neurodegenerative disorders. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the IGNITION project will train doctoral researchers to study the biology of anti-IgLON5 disease, improve its diagnosis and understand its association with inflammation-driven neurodegeneration. Researchers will develop new models, tools, and strategies to improve patient care.

Objective

Anti-IgLON5 disease is a recently described encephalopathy associated with a variety of neurological symptoms that can be life-threating. The clinical course is mainly chronic and the response to immunotherapies is suboptimal. The hallmark of the disease is the presence of antibodies against IgLON5, a cell adhesion molecule predominantly expressed on the neuronal membrane. Surprisingly, neuropathological findings on autopsies revealed the presence of an atypical neuronal brainstem tauopathy, establishing a link between neurodegeneration and IgLON5 antibodies. IGNITION aims to establish an innovative, interdisciplinary doctoral training program to foster the next generation of scientists at the interface of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The unique program will train 13 Doctoral Candidates across four key objectives: 1) addressing clinical challenges in diagnosing and managing anti-IgLON5 disease, 2) investigating the role of neuroinflammation in neurodegeneration, 3) developing animal models for therapeutic testing, and 4) analysing the function of IgLON5 in health and disease. These objectives will be pursued using cutting-edge molecular, cellular, and in vivo techniques, offering a comprehensive research training experience with the support of leading biotech and diagnostic companies. IGNITION will advance our understanding of the mechanisms behind anti-IgLON5 disease, contributing to scientific innovation and providing tools for improved diagnosis and prognosis. The gained insights will extend to the broader field of neurodegeneration, offering potential breakthroughs for other tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Through its research and training activities, IGNITION will foster scientific excellence, increase disease awareness, and provide societal and economic benefits through the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies across Europe.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN-01

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Coordinator

FUNDACIO DE RECERCA CLINIC BARCELONA-INSTITUT D INVESTIGACIONS BIOMEDIQUES AUGUST PI I SUNYER
Net EU contribution
€ 564 376,32
Address
CARRER ROSSELLO 149
08036 Barcelona
Spain
Region
Este Cataluña Barcelona
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (9)

Partners (13)