Objective
Cancer immunotherapy has transformed oncology, offering new hope to patients with advanced cancers such as melanoma. However, approximately 40% of melanoma patients do not respond to current immunotherapies, highlighting the urgent need for predictive biomarkers and therapies that can increase the response and convert “non-responder” patients into “responders”. Emerging evidence indicates that the functionality of the gut microbiota plays a critical role in modulating immune responses. A common mechanism that controls bacterial functionalities is genomic DNA inversions, regulating gene expression in a phase-variable manner. This project aims to harness such gut bacterial functional plasticity to enhance immunotherapy outcomes in melanoma patients applying a dual approach: (1) developing a non-invasive quantitative PCR-based diagnostic tool to identify potential responders; and (2) engineering gut bacteria in their immune-activating phase to activate the immune system and synergize with immunotherapy. The diagnostic tool will be validated on DNA from human stool samples, assessing its sensitivity, specificity, and predictive accuracy. The genetically engineered bacteria will be tested in melanoma mouse models, evaluating their impact on tumor regression, immune activation, and survival rates. The project also includes comprehensive market, IP, and business strategy analyses to ensure successful commercialization. If successful, this innovation will provide clinicians with a reliable method for patient stratification and offer a novel therapeutic approach to enhance immunotherapy responses, improving outcomes for patients who currently have limited treatment options.
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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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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) ERC-2025-POC
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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.
32000 Haifa
Israel
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.