HEDIMED studied major exposomic factors influencing IMDs, including viral infections, gut and environmental microbiome, toxicants, land cover, diet, stress and physical activity. Host immune responses were analyzed in parallel, and experimental models were used to test mechanisms.
Key achievements:
• Defined research priorities and mapped resources across 22 institutions.
• Characterized clinical cohorts and trials, creating a shared catalogue of data and samples.
• Developed new analytical methods and pipelines to assess exposomic impacts.
• Linked satellite data and land cover with disease incidence across multiple cohorts.
• Analyzed environmental and edible microbiomes, revealing effects on human microbiome.
• Applied organoid and cell models to dissect causal mechanisms of disease-associated viral exposures.
• Built models that can predict the effects of different T1D prevention scenarios and cost-effectiveness of different CD screening strategies.
• Launched a secure Research Data Analysis Platform and a Public Platform for dissemination.
• Organized a stakeholder event and contributed to EHEN activities.
• Disseminated findings via publications, conferences, social media, newsletters and blogs.
Main scientific results:
• Microbiome and virome patterns differed between children who developed IMDs and controls.
• Enterovirus infections linked with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease (celiac disease was associated also with parechovirus infections).
• Urban environments associated with higher risk of T1D, asthma and allergy (not CD).
• In utero exposures showed potential influence, with altered maternal cytokine patterns.
New technologies developed:
• Multiplex antigen array (Array-in-Well) for profiling antibody responses to >60 microbial antigens.
• Methods for volatilome analysis of stool samples.
• Secure Research Platform for data integration and Public Platform for knowledge sharing.
• Pipelines combining satellite data with cohort addresses.
• Organoid scRNA-seq workflows for studying effects of viral infections.
• Portable IgE reader for point-of-care diagnostics.
• Modelling tools for disease incidence prediction and screening design.
In summary, HEDIMED produced major scientific findings, novel technologies and platforms, and engaged in broad dissemination. While no single universal exposomic determinant was identified for IMD, certain exposures were shared between diseases, highlighting possible preventive targets.
