Résilience - COVID-19 - Résilience - Coronavirus disease 2019

Development of preclinical pediatric model for SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis: insights into COVID-19 disease – NEO-COV-AM

Submission summary

NEO-COV-AM aims at developing a pediatric non-human primate (NHP) model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We will use this model to study the mechanisms of infection, focusing on dynamics of viral replication and mucosal immunity in the respiratory tract and at sites, which also exhibit high expression of ACE2 receptor, like the gastrointestinal tract. Based on Partner 1 recent experience with SARS-CoV-2 infection in adult NHPs and compiled data collection, the consortium will characterize biomarkers of disease progression/resolution in infant vs adult. Key parameters of innate and adaptive immune cell responses will be studied longitudinally to understand SARS-CoV-2 immunopathology in pediatric populations and determine whether the immune tolerogenic environment is decisive in disease resolution. NEO-COV-AM will also study the changes in the gut and lung microbiota composition, which might modulate the differentiation of myeloid cells and distally impact innate immune defenses in the lung compartment. We will also work at establishing a model to investigate child to mother horizontal virus transfer while sharing a closed space for a long time. We surmise that such study is of primary importance to help understanding the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and protection from severe disease in young infants. This pediatric preclinical model will help accelerating future treatments and vaccines developments, that need to demonstrate full safety and efficacy before their administration to young populations. It is therefore urgent to be prepared and respond quickly.

Project coordination

Nabila Seddiki (Département lnfectious Disease Models and lnnovative Therapies)

The author of this summary is the project coordinator, who is responsible for the content of this summary. The ANR declines any responsibility as for its contents.

Partner

DMU APHP.Saclay : Maladies de l'enfant
IDMIT Département lnfectious Disease Models and lnnovative Therapies

Help of the ANR 79,999 euros
Beginning and duration of the scientific project: May 2021 - 12 Months

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