The European Union FP7 framework supports the collaborative project “Advanced Studies towards Knowledge on Lyssavirus Encephalitis Pathogenesis Improving Options for Survival” (acronym ASKLEPIOS; http://asklepiosfp7.eu/), with eight partners from seven countries. The overall aim of the project is to identify rational targets for development of novel therapeutic leads for rabies encephalitis by targeting both viral replication and host response. ASKLEPIOS will reach this aim by building on existing knowledge of rabies pathogenesis and using state-of-the-art technology.