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HZI researcher Christian Sieben coordinates project for the targeted development of antiviral therapies for newly emerging viruses
With viral disease emergence expected to accelerate, preparing for possible future pandemics is paramount. Beyond saving lives during outbreaks, robust pandemic preparedness safeguards economies, sustains societal functioning, and reinforces the resilience of global systems. The new EU project COMBINE (“Comparative Signature of Marburg Virus Cell Activation as a Blueprint for the Identification of Antiviral Targets against Newly Emerging Viruses”) acknowledges that understanding how viruses infiltrate host cells is crucial to combating emerging infectious diseases. The project sets out to advance our understanding of how viruses enter cells, using the Marburg Virus (MARV) as a model, and to create a blueprint for identifying new targets for antiviral strategies – a critical cornerstone of pandemic preparedness. Coordinated by the German Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), COMBINE brings together seven partners from five European countries and will receive a total funding of 7.2 million euros over the next five years through the European Union’s “Horizon Europe” Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
The COMBINE Approach: Identification, Characterization & Inhibition of the Virus-Cell Binding Step
Any viral infection begins with the attachment of the virus to host cells and subsequent activation of cellular receptors, making it essential to identify the factors and mechanisms involved. Therefore, COMBINE focuses on the critical virus-cell binding step, aiming to identify key factors and potential therapeutic targets involved early in viral infections. “We will apply a combination of pioneering approaches designed to identify the signature of virus-cell activation, characterize the mechanisms of virus binding and entry, and develop novel inhibitors and vaccine candidates. Using the Marburg virus as a highly-pathogenic BSL-4 model virus, this novel approach provides a comprehensive view of the virus entry process, differentiating between initial attachment and subsequent cellular activation and internalization,” explains project coordinator Prof. Christian Sieben, leading the research group “Nano Infection Biology” at HZI. In addition to Sieben, the HZI research groups “Compound Profiling and Screening” led by Prof. Ursula Bilitewski and “Cellular Proteome Research” led by Prof. Lothar Jänsch are also involved in COMBINE.
Marburg virus, like Ebola virus, is a member of the filovirus family. It is a highly infectious and lethal pathogen with substantial epidemic potential. The virus occurs in fruit bats, widely distributed across Africa, and may also be transmitted between humans. Additionally, the virus’ incubation period, ranging from two to 21 days, allows for potential silent transmission by individuals who are not yet symptomatic, further complicating outbreak control efforts. The recent recurrent outbreaks of the Marburg virus, including in previously unaffected countries, coupled with the lack of a licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment and the virus’ high lethality, underscore the ongoing threat posed by the virus as well as the significant clinical and societal interest in developing suitable antivirals.
Using the COMBINE approach, the team aims to establish the fundamental pre-clinical basis for the continued development of specific anti-MARV drugs and optimized MARV vaccines. “With COMBINE, we aim to make a lasting impact by reducing premature mortality and the healthcare burden of the Marburg virus through novel treatments and optimized vaccines. However, our work will not only strengthen the global virology community with new tools and knowledge, but also increase pandemic preparedness by addressing the health threats posed by the Marburg virus and other emerging viral diseases,” emphasizes Sieben.
A Blueprint for the Identification of Antiviral Targets against Newly Emerging Viruses
Beyond unveiling crucial insights into MARV cell entry, the project will break new ground and develop an innovative experimental pipeline for identifying and targeting proteins involved in the virus attachment process, a critical factor in combating viral outbreaks. COMBINE seeks to create a versatile, adaptable blueprint that facilitates cross-country collaborations to develop novel drugs and vaccines against emerging viruses. The research conducted in the scope of the project will, therefore, not only expand the knowledge of the Marburg virus cell entry and therapeutic options but also establish a technology pipeline that can be rapidly applied to other emerging viruses, strengthening global health security and readiness for future pandemics.
In addition to COMBINE, the HZI is involved in another project of the Horizon Europe funding program, which is also dedicated to the search for new targets for antiviral therapies. In the project DEFENDER, coordinated at the Leibniz Institute for Virology (LIV), Prof. Mark Brönstrup, head of the department “Chemical Biology”, is investigating therapeutic concepts against emerging pathogens.
Project Key Facts:
Title: Comparative Signature of Marburg Virus Cell Activation as a Blueprint for the Identification of Antiviral Targets against Newly Emerging Viruses (COMBINE)
Start: 1 January 2025
Duration: 60 months
Budget: 7.2 Mil €
Coordinator: Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI)
Website: http://combine-MARV.eu
Social Media: http://www.linkedin.com/showcase/combine-marv-project/about/
Project Partners:
Belgium
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB)
Germany
- European Research and Project Office GmbH (EURICE)
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI)
- University of Marburg (UMR)
Norway
- University of Oslo (UiO)
Romania
- Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy (IBRA)
Sweden
- Karolinska Institutet (KI)
This press release and an image are also available on our website: http://www.helmholtz-hzi.de/en/media-center/newsroom/news-detail/towards-improved-pandemic-preparedness-launch-of-new-eu-project-combine/.
Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research:
Scientists at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig and its other sites in Germany are engaged in the study of bacterial and viral infections and the body’s defence mechanisms. They have a profound expertise in natural compound research and its exploitation as a valuable source for novel anti-infectives. As member of the Helmholtz Association and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) the HZI performs translational research laying the ground for the development of new treatments and vaccines against infectious diseases. http://www.helmholtz-hzi.de/en
Contact:
Susanne Thiele, Spokesperson
susanne.thiele@helmholtz-hzi.de
Dr Charlotte Schwenner, Editor
charlotte.schwenner@helmholtz-hzi.de
Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research
Press and Communications
Inhoffenstr. 7
D-38124 Braunschweig
Germany
Phone: +49 531 6181-1400; -1406
Project Coordinator:
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung GmbH (HZI)
Prof. Christian Sieben
Email: christian.sieben@helmholtz-hzi.de
Project Management:
European Research and Project Office GmbH (EURICE)
Dr. Wannes De Man
Email: W.DeMan@eurice.eu
The consortium of the Horizon Europe project COMBINE at the kick-off meeting in Braunschweig in Janu ...
COMBINE
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The consortium of the Horizon Europe project COMBINE at the kick-off meeting in Braunschweig in Janu ...
COMBINE
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