The mechanisms underlying lung homeostasis are of fundamental biological importance and have critical implications for the prevention of immune-mediated diseases such as asthma. We have demonstrated that lung Interstitial Macrophages (IM) exhibit a tolerogenic profile and are able to prevent and limit the development of aberrant immune responses against allergens, thus underscoring their role as crucial regulators of lung homeostasis. In addition, we have shown that IM could expand from monocyte precursors upon host exposure to bacterial unmethylated CpG-DNA, resulting in robust protection against allergic asthma. To date, however, IM have only been characterized as a bulk population in functional studies, and little is known about the tissue-instructive signals, specific transcription factors and differentiation programs which contribute to determining their identity (ID) and function, as proposed by the macrophage niche model. We have developed an innovative transgenic tool to selectively target IM which, in combination with high dimensional single cell technologies, will allow us to (1) define the precise ID of IM, i.e. their spatial organization, heterogeneity, molecular signature and the specific TF governing their differentiation and function; (2) investigate how IM ID is imprinted by the local niche to sustain lung homeostasis. Specifically, we aim to identify the epithelial cell-derived chemo-attractive signals controlling IM precursor recruitment and to elucidate the contribution of the lung cholinergic nervous system to IM ID and lung homeostasis. This research will increase our understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying the fine-tuning of tolerogenic IM and will thus provide robust foundations for novel IM-targeted approaches promoting health and preventing airway diseases in which IM (dys)functions have been implicated.

Peripheral and central venous catheters are among the most implanted blood-contacting medical devices for short and long-term clinical applications, respectively. Despite implementations of in-hospital measures, catheters are often subject to infection and thrombotic complications, which result in longer hospitalization stay, higher health care costs, or even death. The CMD-COAT project aims at providing an innovative and rapid solution to this major medical, economical and societal need. The solution comes from our patented technology, referred to as Coatigel, that consists of grafting multilayer cross-linked nanogels with combined antifouling, antimicrobial and antithrombotic properties onto catheter surface. The combination of these properties can guarantee longer catheter clinical performance than any currently available products. Our project includes all the validation steps that will enable us to bring Coatigel on the catheter market. We will assess Coatigel compliance with ISO standards and compile the technical file for CE mark application in accordance with EU directives for class III medical devices. The whole process will be realized under the guidance of a company specialized in quality management to ensure optimal reliability and efficacy. The project also involves setting up partnerships with catheter industries to adjust our technology to manufacturing constraints. Via services of marketing experts, we will take on a competitive market analysis, including geographic segmentation, to position Coatigel in the catheter market. This project will result in the creation of a coating spin-off company with the exclusive right of Coatigel commercial exploitation. The presence of several big catheter manufacturers in Belgium is a main asset for our business success. All this will be achieved thanks to the help of local support in intellectual property management, consolidating industrial partnerships, and in contacts with potential investors.

Nonlinear vibrations are a frequent occurrence in engineering structures and can originate from friction, contact, material laws and large displacements. Nonlinear phenomena are most often ignored or avoided in industry, because practitioners lack both a methodology and a software for properly addressing them. The objective of this ERC PoC is to provide companies active in aerospace, automotive and mechanical engineering with a solution for the analysis of nonlinear vibrations. Specifically, we aim to bring the Nonlinear Identification to Design (NI2D) software to the market. NI2D, developed based on the outcomes of the NOVIB ERC Starting Grant, is the first software that can accurately quantify the impact of nonlinear vibrations on engineering structures. NI2D’s unique feature is that it can embrace both measured time series and finite element models, allowing to progress from experimental data to design. The NI2D software and related services will help (i) shorten test campaigns through proper handling of nonlinear phenomena, (ii) decrease time-to-market by providing an improved correlation between measurements and numerical predictions and (iii) enlarge the design space thanks to the richness of nonlinear behaviors.