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.
Progress of the project:
1 April 2025 – 30 September 2025
At this stage, the project has progressed as planned, with work carried out on the implementation of the first and fourth project activities. Within the framework of the first activity, experimental work has been initiated on the design of expression plasmids, the level of recombinant protein production has been assessed, and the properties of the proteins have been characterized, including solubility and the formation of virus-like particles. The results obtained demonstrate that the relevant proteins can be produced at high levels in the E. coli system, with indications that they assemble into virus-like structures. In parallel, the native FABP4 protein was obtained for chemical conjugation experiments. Within the framework of the fourth activity: (1) student training and supervision of a bachelor’s thesis have been initiated; (2) the training course “Modular training in working with experimental animals”, organized by BIOR, has been attended; and (3) an application for a research project was submitted to the 2025 LZP “Fundamental and Applied Research Projects” competition. The application received a positive evaluation above the threshold from the experts; however, it will not receive financial support.
Information published 30.09.2025.