If you can develop small animal models or surrogate virus-host systems for hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) research, consider applying to the new NIAID notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) Animal Models for Hepatitis B and C (R01, Clinical Trial Not Allowed).
Scientific Purpose
As detailed in the NOFO, your R01 application should describe plans to develop either of the following:
- Convenient small animal models that will support infection and replication of HBV and/or HCV, ideally leading to the dichotomous outcomes of clearance and persistence. As an example of one plausible path, these animal models could transiently or constitutively express known receptors for viral entry and other necessary replication factors.
- Closely related surrogate virus-host systems and robust xenotransplantation models with significant improvements to humanized mice dually engrafted with human liver cells and human immune systems.
Although the immunological parameters that determine protection against infection, clearance of acute infection, and progression to chronicity are not fully understood, your research could correlate each outcome with distinct states of adaptive, humoral, and innate immunity that can be measured and may be used as biomarkers.
Your models for use in vaccine development should be validated by their capability to elicit HBV- or HCV-specific immune responses. Models for anti-HBV drug development should be validated by their response to currently available directly acting antiviral (DAA) drugs and their ability to test for suppression of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA).
Due Date, Budget, and More
NIAID intends to commit $3.6 million in fiscal year 2024 to fund three to five R01 awards. This NOFO does not support clinical trials.
Request a project period that fits the scope of your proposed research, up to a maximum of 5 years. Your application budget is not limited but be sure to propose a budget that reflects the actual needs of the project.
Your deadline to apply is August 25, 2023, by 5 p.m. local time of the applicant organization. Be sure to submit your optional Letter of Intent at least 30 days beforehand.
For advice on your application and project plans, reach out to the scientific/research contact Dr. Rajen Koshy at rkoshy@niaid.nih.gov or 240-627-3294. Direct your peer review and grants management inquiries to the relevant contacts in Section VII of the NOFO.