ABCARDIONOSTICS PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

THE PROJECT

The ABCardionostics project started on April 1, 2024, and involves 8 partners: Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Institut Polytechnique de Bordeaux, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares CARLOS III, BIOTEM, MAbSilico, Pie Medical Imaging, University of Maastricht.

Its aim is to provide effective stratification AND personalized treatment for atherosclerosis patients at risk of developing serious cardiovascular pathologies such as heart attack and stroke.

To achieve this, ABCardionostics is planning (1) an innovative multi-marker positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system (CNIC) using dedicated human antibodies (AcHus), combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and (2) a targeted immunotherapy strategy based on the design of bispecific human antibodies (CNRS-BacFly) aimed at reprogramming atherogenic monocyte/macrophage (MoMP) populations towards atheroprotection.

The consortium will combine cutting-edge biotechnologies, in silico and bioinformatics analyses to understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of MoMPs in the plaque (MUMC), pioneering in vivo and in vitro phage-display approaches to identify AcHus (UBx) of interest, innovative bioengineering techniques to create different AcHus formats (CNRSBacFly, UBx-INP, BTM), AI and biochip approaches to identify AcHus targets (MAbS, CNRS-TBI), machine learning for data processing (PMI).

ABCardionostics: Human Antibody-enabled Cardiovascular Personalized Theranosis

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2019, they were responsible for 38% of all deaths in Europe, and by 2030, they are expected to claim 23.6 million lives each year. This makes CVDs a major health issue and a significant financial burden. A large number of these cases are due to atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD), which lacks accurate diagnostic tools, and current treatments are not very effective.

ABCardionostics is working on a groundbreaking solution to improve diagnosis and treatment. Our approach uses fully human antibodies, developed from cutting-edge research, to both detect and treat atherosclerosis. By targeting specific immune cells involved in the disease, we aim to stop its progression and even reverse its effects.

Our technology combines advanced imaging techniques to create a detailed map of a patient’s arteries, allowing doctors to see which areas are most at risk. In the future, this will enable personalized treatments that deliver the right drug, exactly where it’s needed.

This innovative approach has the potential to transform how we manage cardiovascular disease, offering new hope to millions of people at risk.

OUR GOALS

  • To develop innovative 68Ga-labelled PET tracers for atherosclerosis and to establish translational multi-marker PET/MR imaging protocols.
  • To create bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), the next generation of targeted immunotherapy, aimed at plaque regression in atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD).
  • To characterize plaque vulnerability by defining the culprit and protective monocyte/macrophage subsets.
  • To identify the molecular targets of the HuAbs and evaluate their potential as soluble biomarkers for ASVD.

HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO IT

  • ABCardionostics will combine advanced imaging techniques with innovative antibody-based therapies to address atherosclerosis.

    • First, we will develop a cutting-edge PET imaging system that uses specialized human antibodies (HuAbs) and high-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to precisely identify and characterize dangerous arterial plaques. This will help us better understand the types of immune cells, called monocytes and macrophages, involved in plaque formation.

    • Next, we will create bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), designed to target and reprogram harmful immune cells, turning them into protective cells. By using these antibodies, we aim to reduce plaque buildup and improve patient outcomes.

    • Through these steps, our project will develop new PET tracers, define key immune cell types related to plaque vulnerability, and identify important molecular targets. This approach will enhance both the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis, paving the way for personalized, targeted therapies.