The AUREUS program consists of six work packages (WPs). Three scientific WPs are addressing essential questions regarding the role of wall teichoic acids (WTAs) in S. aureus infection, and three additional WPs are focused on training, outreach & dissemination and management.
The involvement of industrial partners is key in the R&D WP, while training and secondment are also planned with the involvement of private companies from the consortium.
WP 1
WTA biosynthesis and inhibition, led by Prof. Dr. Jeroen Codée (ULEI) with involvement of Dr. Simone Dedola (ICENI).
Focused on investigating the unexplored steps of WTA biosynthesis, dissecting the enzymatic and structural mechanisms behind them to allow the identification of novel inhibitors of WTA biogenesis.
DCs involved: 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 6
WTA – host immune receptor interactions, led by Prof. Franck Fieschi (UGA) with involvement of Ludovic Landemarre, PhD (GLYD)
Focused on elucidating WTA – host immune receptor interactions, at the molecular and functional level, to disentangle protective versus evasive responses.
DCs involved: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ,9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15
WP 2
WP 3
anti-WTA monoclonal antibodies, led by Prof. Nina van Sorge (AMC) with involvement of Jonathan Bones, PhD (NIBRIT).
Focused on gaining insights into anti-WTA antibody responses, providing new visions toward efficient therapeutic approaches, including vaccines, immune-mediated therapies and diagnostics.
DCs involved: 4, 7, 11, 12,13, 14
The non-scientific WPs will ensure effective coordination, management, dissemination and facilitate the implementation of the research and training activities with the involvement of the consortium and DCs.
Training: scientific, generic, transferable and soft skills, led by Prof. Dr. Christoph Rademacher (UNIVIE) with involvement of INN-ACTA
WP4
WP5
Outreach & Dissemination: public engagement, dissemination and exploitation, led by Dr. Lianne Willems (UY) with involvement of INN-ACTA
Management: coordination and network organisation, led by Prof. Roberta Marchetti (UNINA)