Systemic analyses of antibody repertoires in bats: Мission possible
Competition
Competition for financial support for bilateral projects 2025 — Bulgaria — France “Rila” Programme
Main scientific field or thematic area
Immunology
Title and abstract of the project
Systemic analyses of antibody repertoires in bats: Мission possible
Zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans are an increasingly serious global threat to public health. Bats (Chiroptera) are considered major reservoirs of numerous highly pathogenic viruses with epidemic potential, including coronaviruses, filoviruses, and henipaviruses. In-depth understanding of their unique immune response—particularly humoral immunity—is crucial for assessing the risk of cross-species transmission and for developing preventive measures within the One Health framework. This project aims to apply the innovative approach of systems serology to comprehensively assess the antibody repertoire in bats in Bulgaria. Using microarray technology, IgG antibodies will be analysed against a broad panel of pathogens. The study will cover bat populations inhabiting diverse environments—ranging from caves with high levels of human activity to remote habitats and urbanised areas—in order to identify spatial, seasonal, and physiological factors that influence immune responses. The research will test hypotheses related to the effects of colony size, interspecies cohabitation, sex- and age-related differentiation, as well as seasonal variations on antibody diversity. Preliminary results show statistically significant differences in immune profiles across populations and species, while also demonstrating the potential of systems serology as a powerful tool for epidemiological monitoring. The generated data will contribute not only to advancing knowledge of bat viral ecology and immunology but also to assessing zoonotic risk at both national and regional levels. Ultimately, the project aims to support the development of integrated early warning systems. It will also contribute to the conservation of bat populations by generating essential data on their immunological and health status. This knowledge is critical for anticipating and mitigating potential future ecological and public health crises.
Type of the planned research
Fundamental
Organization
National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Partner organization in the partner country
Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université
Coordinator of the research team
Dr. Nia Toshkova
Tsar Osvoboditel 1 Blvd., Sofia
Team members
Dr Violeta Zhelyazkova
Dr Stanimira Deleva
Maksim Kolev
Stela-Teodora Trendafilova
Requested total budget for accomplishment of the project
25 564,59 euro
Description of expected results
As a result of the project’s implementation, the generation of significant scientific and applied data is anticipated, which will expand knowledge of the humoral immune response in bats and contribute to a better understanding of their role as potential reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. The expected scientific outcomes include:
Results achieved from the implementation of the project by stages
List of scientific publications related to the project, with links to the publications on the website of the journal in which they were published
Internet link to publicly available scientific data, where applicable
Other information related to the project, such as proposals for industrial or other socially beneficial applications of the results
Competition for financial support for bilateral projects 2025 — Bulgaria — France “Rila” Programme
Main scientific field or thematic area
Immunology
Title and abstract of the project
Systemic analyses of antibody repertoires in bats: Мission possible
Zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans are an increasingly serious global threat to public health. Bats (Chiroptera) are considered major reservoirs of numerous highly pathogenic viruses with epidemic potential, including coronaviruses, filoviruses, and henipaviruses. In-depth understanding of their unique immune response—particularly humoral immunity—is crucial for assessing the risk of cross-species transmission and for developing preventive measures within the One Health framework. This project aims to apply the innovative approach of systems serology to comprehensively assess the antibody repertoire in bats in Bulgaria. Using microarray technology, IgG antibodies will be analysed against a broad panel of pathogens. The study will cover bat populations inhabiting diverse environments—ranging from caves with high levels of human activity to remote habitats and urbanised areas—in order to identify spatial, seasonal, and physiological factors that influence immune responses. The research will test hypotheses related to the effects of colony size, interspecies cohabitation, sex- and age-related differentiation, as well as seasonal variations on antibody diversity. Preliminary results show statistically significant differences in immune profiles across populations and species, while also demonstrating the potential of systems serology as a powerful tool for epidemiological monitoring. The generated data will contribute not only to advancing knowledge of bat viral ecology and immunology but also to assessing zoonotic risk at both national and regional levels. Ultimately, the project aims to support the development of integrated early warning systems. It will also contribute to the conservation of bat populations by generating essential data on their immunological and health status. This knowledge is critical for anticipating and mitigating potential future ecological and public health crises.
Type of the planned research
Fundamental
Organization
National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Partner organization in the partner country
Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université
Coordinator of the research team
Dr. Nia Toshkova
Tsar Osvoboditel 1 Blvd., Sofia
Team members
Dr Violeta Zhelyazkova
Dr Stanimira Deleva
Maksim Kolev
Stela-Teodora Trendafilova
Requested total budget for accomplishment of the project
25 564,59 euro
Description of expected results
As a result of the project’s implementation, the generation of significant scientific and applied data is anticipated, which will expand knowledge of the humoral immune response in bats and contribute to a better understanding of their role as potential reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. The expected scientific outcomes include:
Development of a detailed serological profile of at least four bat species inhabiting environments with varying degrees of anthropogenic influence, including tourist caves and urban settings.
A first-of-its-kind systematic analysis of the antibody repertoire of bats in Bulgaria using proteomic microarray technologies, covering more than 200 human pathogens.
Evidence of the effects of factors such as hibernation, age, and sex on immunoglobulin IgG and IgM levels, established through quantitative analysis and statistical modelling of data collected across different seasons and groups.
A comparative assessment of antibody diversity among individuals from colonies differing in size, degree of interspecific cohabitation, and frequency of human contact, leading to confirmation or rejection of the working hypotheses.
The preparation of four scientific publications in peer-reviewed international journals, reflecting the project’s principal research objectives.
In addition to its scientific outputs, the project will yield substantial educational and capacity-building results through the training of two early-career researchers in the application of modern immunological, proteomic, and bioinformatic methods, as well as through the enhancement of the methodological capacity of the two partner institutions via bilateral knowledge transfer encompassing field, laboratory, and analytical approaches. Active dissemination is also envisaged, including the presentation of at least two papers at international scientific forums, including conferences on immunology, zoonoses, and chiropterology, as well as the preparation of science communication publications and participation in educational initiatives dedicated to the role of bats in ecosystems and the importance of sustainable interaction between humans and wildlife.Results achieved from the implementation of the project by stages
List of scientific publications related to the project, with links to the publications on the website of the journal in which they were published
Internet link to publicly available scientific data, where applicable
Other information related to the project, such as proposals for industrial or other socially beneficial applications of the results