GLYTUNES · A multidisciplinary training network for the bioinspired development of glycomimetics tuning the Siglec-Sialoglycan axis

GLYTUNES is a multidisciplinary European Training Network on glyco-immune checkpoints built to address the main priorities of the National and European research council regarding the use of innovative methodological, interdisciplinary approaches for the treatment of human diseases. The GLYTUNES program is based on high-level multidisciplinary and multisectoral training to i) understand at the molecular and dynamic level how (aberrant) interactions between the immunomodulatory receptors Siglecs and their sialylated cognate ligands contribute to the etiology of immune-related diseases (infectious, and cancer diseases), ii) how to tune this axis to provide new therapeutic approaches for the rational design and development of glycomimetics targeting the Siglec glyco-immune checkpoints.To achieve this aim, an interdisciplinary, intersectoral, international European-based training programme within an outstanding collaborative research environment has been established, guided by leaders in their respective fields of research and in close association with industrial partners. GLYTUNES involves 7 academic partners and 4 companies (SMEs) from 7 European countries, combining world-class expertise in carbohydrate chemical and structural biology, drug design and computational chemistry, synthetic and medicinal chemistry, biophysics, biochemistry, glycoimmunology and molecular and medical microbiology. GLYTUNES will train 14 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) in a highly integrated and collaborative environment, underpinned by extensive interactions between academic and industrial partners and by their experience in higher education, training and mentoring, and endowed with state-of-the art scientific and technical expertise and infrastructures. The ESRs will thus acquire scientific and transferable skills to make them highly competitive and new leaders in top EU academia and research institutions, healthcare and biotech job markets.