ZonMw Open Competition Grant

The ZonMw Open Competition gives research teams the space to explore new ideas and work together, leading to high-quality, groundbreaking research. It encourages collaboration and allows researchers to study important questions without fixed themes.


This project team consists of:
Theo van den Broek (UMC Utrecht), Virgil Dalm (Erasmus MC, coordinator), Ines da Silva Serra (Erasmus MC), Serge Dumoulin (Spinoza Centre for Neuroimaging) & Marlou Kooiker (Erasmus MC)

The project (IMBRAIN) description:
People with complex inborn errors of immunity (IEI) typically suffer from infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. However, these disorders may also present with other symptoms, such as neurodevelopmental disorders. These manifestations still receive little attention, because they appear to be less immediately life-threatening.

The IMBRAIN project aims to better understand these symptoms by focusing on one IEI (APDS). The goal is to understand how brain and behavioral abnormalities develop in APDS and whether these can be prevented or treated.

To do this, the researchers will use a translational approach combining mouse models, brain scans, and blood tests. They will also use a mobile app to study learning, behavior, and brain structure. In addition, they will test an existing drug for APDS (leniolisib), which may help restore both the immune system and brain function.

This research could lead to better recognition of symptoms, more targeted treatments, and reduced stigma. It also highlights that IEI affects the entire body and requires a broader approach to care.