Dr Chris Greene, FutureNeuro StAR Research Lecturer in the Department of Physiology and Medical Physics at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, has been awarded €429,530 through the ERDERA Joint Translational Call 2025 to support his role in an international project investigating rare autoimmune epilepsies. 

ERDERA (European Rare Diseases Research Alliance) funds collaborative, cross-border research to accelerate progress in rare disease research. Its Joint Translational Calls bring together researchers from across Europe and beyond to address shared scientific challenges and translate findings into patient benefits. 

Tackling Rare Autoimmune Epilepsies 

The three-year T-CARE project (T-cell-based Approaches for Controlling Autoimmune Disease with Epilepsy) is coordinated by Dr Nico Melzer at Heinrich-Heine University, with Dr Greene leading the Irish research effort alongside a postdoctoral researcher funded through the grant. The €2.3 million consortium focuses on rare autoimmune conditions, including autoimmune encephalitis and Rasmussen’s encephalitis, which can cause severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy, cognitive decline, and significant neurological disability. Current treatment options for these conditions are extremely limited. 

An International, Translational Research Effort 

T-CARE brings together leading epilepsy and neuroimmunology researchers from six institutions across Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, and Türkiye, in collaboration with patient advocacy organisations. Using advanced preclinical models, the consortium will investigate the immune mechanisms underlying autoimmune encephalitis-associated epilepsy and test next-generation anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies — already approved in the US and UK for early-stage type 1 diabetes — for their potential to prevent or reduce brain inflammation and seizures. By combining scientific expertise with patient input, the project aims to generate robust preclinical evidence to support future clinical trials. The Dublin team will focus on validating the OVA-ALE mouse model and assessing the therapeutic potential of these antibodies in preventing epilepsy development.  

Dr Chris Greene said: 

“Autoimmune encephalitis and Rasmussen’s encephalitis are devastating, ultra-rare diseases with few effective treatments. Through the T-CARE consortium, we aim to develop the first targeted, disease-modifying therapy by testing next-generation anti-CD3 immunotherapies in robust preclinical models.” 

Strengthening FutureNeuro’s International Impact  

This award highlights FutureNeuro’s ongoing contribution to internationally connected research aimed at improving understanding and treatment of rare neurological conditions, particularly drug-resistant epilepsy.