Challenge

Immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) such as type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, asthma, and allergies have reached epidemic proportions in developed countries, posing significant medical, economic, and societal challenges. The rapid increase in these conditions cannot be solely attributed to genetic factors, suggesting that environmental exposures, collectively known as the exposome, play a crucial role in disease development. Despite this, current research often focuses on isolated exposures within specific diseases, lacking a comprehensive understanding of shared environmental determinants and their mechanisms across multiple IMDs. This fragmented approach hinders the development of effective prevention strategies and treatments.

Solutions

The HEDIMED (Human Exposomic Determinants of Immune Mediated Diseases) project aims to identify environmental causes and disease mechanisms underlying IMDs by analysing one of the largest collections of data in the field. By integrating data and biological samples from 17 human cohorts across Europe, including over 350,000 pregnant women and 28,000 children followed from birth, HEDIMED employs advanced technologies such as omics profiling, data mining, and organ culture models to uncover interactions between genetic predispositions and environmental exposures. The project emphasizes early-life exposures, recognizing that the disease process often begins in utero or during childhood.

Results

HEDIMED is responsible for the identification of modifiable environmental risk factors for IMDs, facilitating the development of targeted prevention strategies. The project aids in enhancing the understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of a comprehensive toolbox for researchers, clinicians, patients, and policymakers, providing access to data, technologies, and functional tools to combat the IMD epidemic. Moreover, HEDIMED contributes to the European Human Exposome Network (EHEN), fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among projects focused on environmental exposures and human health.