Mohamed Lamkanfi - PyroScreen

Introduction

The central objective of ERC Proof of Concept Grant ‘Targeting NLRP3-mediated inflammation with novel chemotypes’ is to identify and functionally characterize novel NLRP3-targeted inhibitors. The project was initiated on October 1, 2022 and has a duration of 18 months.

Project description

Inflammasomes play a vital role in in protecting humans against pathogenic microorganisms, harmful substances and cell changes that could result in illness. The NLRP3 inflammasome in particular attracts considerable interest because aberrant NLRP3 activation is a key pathogenic mechanism in many chronic inflammatory diseases. Moreover, gain-of-function mutations in NLRP3 causes a periodic fever syndrome named cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS). MCC950/CRID3-based sulfonylurea compounds are currently the only reported class of inhibitors that selectively target NLRP3 with nM potency. The group of prof. Lamkanfi at Ghent University and other researchers recently showed that members of this sulfonylurea class inhibitors directly target the central NACHT domain of NLRP3, and several companies have recently progressed MCC950/CRID3-derived NLRP3 inhibitors to human studies. However, there is an urgent need to expand the pipeline of NLRP3-targeted therapeutics with NLRP3-inhibitors of novel chemotypes. Based on exciting preliminary data, the Lamkanfi group aims to identify novel NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and perform an in-depth functional analysis of their activity, selectivity and molecular mechanism of action. Furthermore, they will define the market potential and explore the best strategy towards clinical development with partner organizations. In conclusion, the project will help to expand the pipeline of NLRP3-targeted therapeutics with new NLRP3-inhibitors. If successful, the project may meaningfully impact on the lives of many patients that suffer from NLRP3-mediated diseases in Europe and across the globe.

Objectives

These are the objectives of PyroScreen:

• Objective 1: identify novel NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and perform an in-depth functional analysis of their activity, selectivity and molecular mechanism of action.
• Objective 2: define the market potential and explore the best strategy towards clinical development with partner organizations.

Role of Ghent University

Ghent University  coordinates the project and prof. Lamkanfi

Website

To be announced

Contact

Prof. Mohamed Lamkanfi
Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Phone number: +32 9 332 1080
E-mail      

Funding info

Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union of the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA). Neither the European Union nor the authority can be held responsible for them.