Activity 1.1.1.9 “Post-doctoral Research” of the Specific Objective 1.1.1 “Strengthening research and innovative capacities and introduction of advanced technologies in the common R&D system” of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021-2027

Project title: Exploring Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 as a Vaccine Target for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Using Virus-Like Particle Platform

Project No.: 1.1.1.9/LZP/1/24/080

Period: 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2028

Project costs: The total eligible costs of the research proposal are EUR 184 140,00 of which EUR 156 519,00 is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Principal Investigator: PhD Ilva Liekniņa

Project summary:

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are major global health issues influenced by genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) plays a key role in these conditions by transporting fatty acids and affecting metabolic and inflammatory pathways. High FABP4 levels are linked to liver, pancreas, and heart issues, as well as obesity-related cancers and cardiovascular disorders. FABP4 is a promising biomarker for early detection of obesity, diabetic nephropathy, T2D, and gestational diabetes. Inhibitors of FABP4 show potential as treatments for various metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The research aims to develop a therapeutic anti-obesity/T2D vaccine by inducing an immune response against FABP4 using virus-like particles (VLPs). These VLPs enhance antibody production and alter T-cell responses, reducing FABP4 levels in the blood and preventing fatty acid transport into cells.

Research field: 3. Medical and health sciences; sub-field: 3.4. Medical biotechnology;

the Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) field: 2. Biomedicine, medical technologies, bio-pharmacy and biotechnologies.

Keywords – virus-like particles (VLP), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), anti-obesity vaccine

Information published 01.04.2025.