wAll teichoic acids as immUnogenic and conseRved altErnative targets for therapies versUs S. aureus (AUREUS)

The AUREUS doctoral network meets the increasing need of a highly qualified work force to counteract multidrug-resistant S. aureus infections by performing cutting-edge, inter-disciplinary research in the multifaceted field of chemical biology. The proposed research program aims at training Doctoral Candidates (DCs) to acquire complementary skills to exploit and develop different and innovative strategies to i) unveil the biosynthesis and structure of unique S. aureus cell wall glycopolymers, the so-called WTA (wall teichoic acids), ii) gain greater insights into the molecular basis of the human immune responses to S. aureus WTA, iii) harness the acquired knowledge to rationally design and develop effective immune-based therapies against S. aureus and related bacterial species. To this end, the AUREUS intersectoral program is based on a unique international team combining expertise in different fields including chemistry, (micro-)biology and immunology. In detail, 9 world academic leaders in the glycoscience and/or S. aureus research world and 4 companies (SMEs) with world-class expertise in glycoscience, cutting-edge diagnostics and therapeutic research programs will be involved in the AUREUS project. Each DC will have their own individual project, based on fundamental science and with practical applications, either in biotechnology or in biomedicine, as will be explored through secondments with our industrial partners. The AUREUS network will provide 14 young scientists with broad, top-class scientific and professional competences and skills, thereby expanding the pipeline of future leaders for both industry and academia.