Grant List
Represents Grant table in the DB
GET /v1/grants?page%5Bnumber%5D=1405&sort=end_date
{ "links": { "first": "https://cic-apps.datascience.columbia.edu/v1/grants?page%5Bnumber%5D=1&sort=end_date", "last": "https://cic-apps.datascience.columbia.edu/v1/grants?page%5Bnumber%5D=1424&sort=end_date", "next": "https://cic-apps.datascience.columbia.edu/v1/grants?page%5Bnumber%5D=1406&sort=end_date", "prev": "https://cic-apps.datascience.columbia.edu/v1/grants?page%5Bnumber%5D=1404&sort=end_date" }, "data": [ { "type": "Grant", "id": "15276", "attributes": { "award_id": "1P01HL167668-01A1", "title": "The Immunobiology of Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia", "funder": { "id": 4, "ror": "https://ror.org/01cwqze88", "name": "National Institutes of Health", "approved": true }, "funder_divisions": [ "National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)" ], "program_reference_codes": [], "program_officials": [ { "id": 22561, "first_name": "Andrei L.", "last_name": "Kindzelski", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] } ], "start_date": "2024-08-01", "end_date": "2029-07-31", "award_amount": 650240, "principal_investigator": { "id": 31864, "first_name": "Mortimer", "last_name": "Poncz", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] }, "other_investigators": [], "awardee_organization": { "id": 1016, "ror": "", "name": "VERSITI WISCONSIN, INC.", "address": "", "city": "", "state": "WI", "zip": "", "country": "United States", "approved": true }, "abstract": "Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a complication of adenoviral (AdV)-based COVID-19 vaccination. Antibodies (Abs) against the 70-aa chemokine, platelet (Plt) factor 4 (PF4), have been noted in both VITT and in the related immune, prothrombotic disorder, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), but target different sites on the human (h) PF4 tetramer. The site on hPF4 targeted in VITT is conserved in the related chemokine, 94-aa -granule, Plt-basic protein (PBP) and its N-terminal-truncated isoforms (PBPi), including 70-aa neutrophil-activating peptide 2 (NAP2) that uniquely activates neutrophils (PMNs) via CXCR2. We hypothesize that PF4 and/or PBP can initiate VITT and contribute to its prothrombotic state. We show that VITT Abs bind hPBPi and activate Plts. Mice injected with VITT plasma develop a prothrombotic state even in the absence of PF4, and unlike in murine HIT, PMNs become incorporated into arterial as well as venular thrombi. We also show by dynamic light scattering (DLS) that both chemokines bind directly to AdVs. In a murine VITT model, Abs develop to either PF4 or PBPi. We will pursue our observation and test the above hypothesis as follows: Aim 1: Characterize the range of antigenic targets of VITT Abs. We will confirm that VITT Abs, VITT monoclonal (mo) Abs, and murine Abs generated in Aim 3 bind to hPBPi. We will also determine where VITT Abs bind on hPBPi using select amino acid substitutions of hPBP. Aim 2: Examine the importance of hPF4 and hPBPi in VITT in vitro and in vivo. We will test the relative contribution of hPF4 vs. hPBPi to thrombus formation in vitro using an injured-endothelium microfluidic model. Transgenic FcRIIA+ mice that express either no PF4 or PBP, or have the murine or human versions, will be injected with VITT Abs to recreate the prothrombotic state to validate the importance of PF4 vs. PBP in the development of thrombi in vivo. Aim 3: Examine the mechanistic basis for the onset of VITT in a murine model. We have developed a novel murine VITT model that suggests that the prothrombotic state occurs after AdV vaccination independent of expressing the COVID-19 spike protein. Both anti-PF4 and anti-PBPi Abs were noted. These studies were supported by DLS studies which showed that both chemokines complex with AdV, but that some AdV bind better to hPF4 and others to hPBPi. The mechanistic basis of VITT will be further pursued, including defining the site(s) by which these chemokines interact with AdV, and the characterization of the formed Abs. Taken together, Project 3 should provide important, novel conceptual insights into VITT. A number of new VITT-like pro-thrombotic disorders are being recognized, and our studies should also be applicable to these disorders. Finally, AdV-based vaccines have been developed for other disorders, and our models in Aim 3 may guide AdV modifications to enhance vaccine safety. These advances will greatly benefit from synergy between Dr. Poncz and the expertise provided by shared Core B at Versiti's Blood Research Institute, as well as with the other Project Leaders in our Program – each studying thematically related, clinically important immune thrombocytopenic disorders.", "keywords": [], "approved": true } }, { "type": "Grant", "id": "15279", "attributes": { "award_id": "1R01CA283736-01A1", "title": "Innovative mRNA vaccines to enhance the efficacy of T-cell transfer therapies against solid tumors", "funder": { "id": 4, "ror": "https://ror.org/01cwqze88", "name": "National Institutes of Health", "approved": true }, "funder_divisions": [ "National Cancer Institute (NCI)" ], "program_reference_codes": [], "program_officials": [ { "id": 25072, "first_name": "Yin", "last_name": "Liu", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] } ], "start_date": "2024-08-01", "end_date": "2029-07-31", "award_amount": 628499, "principal_investigator": { "id": 31866, "first_name": "Norbert", "last_name": "Pardi", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] }, "other_investigators": [ { "id": 31867, "first_name": "Caius Gabriel", "last_name": "Radu", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] } ], "awardee_organization": { "id": 818, "ror": "", "name": "UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES", "address": "", "city": "", "state": "CA", "zip": "", "country": "United States", "approved": true }, "abstract": "The remarkable effectiveness of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines heralds a transformative immunization platform against viral infections. A key innovation—recognized with the 2023 Nobel Prize—is the replacement of uridine (U) with N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) in their mRNA constructs. This substitution reduces side effects and increases antigen production. However, applying m1Ψ-modified mRNA vaccines to the realm of cancer immunotherapy introduces a host of new and complex challenges. These range from understanding the implications of U-to-m1Ψ substitution on anti-tumor CD8+ T cell responses to devising effective priming and boosting strategies, creating more predictive animal models, and surmounting the immunosuppressive elements within the tumor microenvironment (TME). To address these challenges, this proposal outlines a research framework built around mechanistic studies with the goal of generating new mRNA vaccines for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)—a cancer with urgent unmet therapeutic needs. Specific Aim 1 seeks to engineer a new class of mRNA vaccines targeting clinically relevant tumor antigens, mesothelin (MSLN), and mutant KRAS (KRASG12D). SubAim 1.1 consists of mechanistic studies to inform strategies for optimizing mRNA-encoded antigen and adjuvant properties and devising effective priming and boosting approaches to enhance immunogenicity and reduce reactogenicity. SubAim 1.2 uses stringent PDAC models to evaluate whether the new vaccines significantly improve the efficacy of T cell transfer therapies. Specific Aim 2 evaluates the new mRNA vaccines in humanized immune system mouse models. Due to significant interspecies differences in innate immune responses to mRNA vaccines, it is vital to move beyond traditional mouse models. SubAim 2.1 aims to understand the effects of these vaccines on human conventional type 1 dendritic cells and subsequent CD8+ T cell activation. SubAim 2.2 focuses on validating the vaccines' safety and efficacy in humanized mouse models engrafted with human PDAC tumors. Specific Aim 3 assesses the potential for allele-specific KRAS inhibitors to reprogram the immunosuppressive PDAC TME, thus enhancing mRNA vaccine efficacy. SubAim 3.1 will investigate whether the new mRNA platform prevents tumor recurrence in PDAC mouse models treated with allele-specific KRAS inhibitors. SubAim 3.2 seeks to elucidate how combining mRNA-based immunotherapies with KRAS-targeted therapies impacts the immunogenicity of PDAC cells, the composition of the immune TME, and anti-tumor efficacy. Deliverables range from developing and optimizing new mRNA vaccines to a systematic mechanistic evaluation of these vaccines in both conventional and humanized mouse models, and finally, to investigating synergies with clinical-stage mutant KRAS-targeted therapies. The anticipated impact consists of advancing the understanding of how new mRNA-based immunotherapies enable priming and sustaining the cancer- immunity cycle and developing effective combination therapies against PDAC for future clinical translation.", "keywords": [], "approved": true } }, { "type": "Grant", "id": "15282", "attributes": { "award_id": "1K01AI183926-01", "title": "Examining the Interplay of COVID-19 and HIV: Impacts on HIV Care, Disparities, and Long-Term Outcomes", "funder": { "id": 4, "ror": "https://ror.org/01cwqze88", "name": "National Institutes of Health", "approved": true }, "funder_divisions": [ "National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)" ], "program_reference_codes": [], "program_officials": [ { "id": 10025, "first_name": "JoanaD'arc C", "last_name": "Roe", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] } ], "start_date": "2024-08-02", "end_date": "2029-07-31", "award_amount": 148824, "principal_investigator": { "id": 31870, "first_name": "McKaylee", "last_name": "Robertson", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] }, "other_investigators": [], "awardee_organization": { "id": 1070, "ror": "", "name": "GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH POLICY", "address": "", "city": "", "state": "NY", "zip": "", "country": "United States", "approved": true }, "abstract": "COVID-19 may have negatively impacted efforts aimed at EHE and exacerbated disparities in HIV outcomes. For EHE to be successful, it is important to understand any lasting impacts that adversely complicate HIV control and impact care of people with HIV (PWH), and to address structural issues at the root of disparities during and after an overlapping pandemic. The impact of post COVID conditions (PCC) PCC on HIV outcomes has not been studied. While PCC has been documented to increase incident comorbidities and complications, data on the epidemiology of PCC are lacking for PWH. It is critical to understand epidemiological risk and any long-term increases in comorbidities among PWH due to SARS-CoV-2 to inform care and support. The goal of the proposed study is to understand the clinical and social factors that impact HIV and COVID-19 outcomes among PWH and to characterize how the COVID-19 pandemic, including PCC, may influence HIV care outcomes. This research will leverage established cohorts: 1) clinical cohorts of PWH and PWoH from the Johns Hopkins Healthcare System and Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States and 2) the CHASING COVID Cohort, an online community-based cohort of US adults. The proposed research poses unique methodological challenges due to the varying definitions of PCC, the quantity of exposure data and the longitudinal design, all of which may increase measurement error. This K01 will provide experience, knowledge and training in methods (advanced biostatistics methods related to improving inferences in settings with complex exposure pathways and measurement error) and content (comorbidity development among PWH, including PCC, and social determinants of health). The study aims to: (1) compare clinical risk factors for PCC-related comorbidities by HIV status using target trial approaches with marginal structural models for time-varying confounding and outcome censoring; (2) characterize the role of social determinants of PCC-related comorbidities by HIV status using multi-level models; and (3) assess the role of COVID-era factors on disparities in HIV outcomes, using a novel mediation approach in combination with modern approaches for minimizing bias (e.g., potential-mediator weighted models). Focusing the research, in part, on PCC will provide an opportunity to address a complicated and multi- faceted problem lacking robust epidemiological data for PWH. Findings from the proposed study are critical to understanding the longer-term impact of COVID-19 on HIV outcomes, disparities in HIV and COVID outcomes, the epidemiology and natural history of PCC within an immunocompromised population, and pandemic preparedness for PWH and EHE. Other innovations include: 1) triangulating electronic health record data with reported data from one of the few national-community-based cohorts and 2) improving inference by incorporating advanced design and methods with clinical insight. Furthermore, the focus on clinical and social pathways is critical for identifying the next generation of HIV interventions for EHE.", "keywords": [], "approved": true } }, { "type": "Grant", "id": "15285", "attributes": { "award_id": "1K23HD112599-01A1", "title": "Caregiver decision making for seasonal respiratory vaccines for children", "funder": { "id": 4, "ror": "https://ror.org/01cwqze88", "name": "National Institutes of Health", "approved": true }, "funder_divisions": [ "Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)" ], "program_reference_codes": [], "program_officials": [ { "id": 6227, "first_name": "Tracy", "last_name": "King", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] } ], "start_date": "2024-08-13", "end_date": "2029-07-31", "award_amount": 155322, "principal_investigator": { "id": 31873, "first_name": "Sarah Elizabeth", "last_name": "Schaffer DeRoo", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] }, "other_investigators": [], "awardee_organization": { "id": 1167, "ror": "", "name": "CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE", "address": "", "city": "", "state": "DC", "zip": "", "country": "United States", "approved": true }, "abstract": "In the current post-Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic era, the scientific community is preparing for the need for seasonal vaccination campaigns similar to annual influenza vaccination to slow transmission. Uptake of COVID-19 vaccines for children has been lackluster, mirroring a trend observed for seasonal influenza vaccines among pediatric patients. The low vaccination rates for both COVID-19 and influenza among children are starkly contrasted with the relatively stable, high rates for non-seasonal, childhood vaccines, including hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and varicella vaccines. These data support findings that parents are more hesitant to vaccinate their children against influenza when compared to non- seasonal, childhood vaccines, and the slow uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among children suggests that a similar trend has emerged for COVID-19. These overarching trends suggest that the determinants of parental hesitancy for seasonal respiratory vaccines (SRVs) may fundamentally differ from those for non-seasonal vaccines, though this phenomenon has not previously been explored. This gap has significant implications for the development of interventions to address SRV hesitancy. If the underlying determinants of vaccine hesitancy differ for seasonal versus non-seasonal vaccines, the evidence-based interventions employed to overcome vaccine hesitancy may not be transferrable to SRVs in the post-pandemic era. My long-term career goal is design and implement high-fidelity interventions for addressing pediatric vaccine hesitancy as an independently-funded investigator. The proposed project’s overall objective is to identify factors influencing parental SRV hesitancy in the post-pandemic era to inform a targeted communication strategies intervention for pediatricians tailored to address SRV hesitancy. We will accomplish the project objective through a mixed- methods study with the following aims: 1) Identify determinants of parental SRV hesitancy; 2) Identify pediatricians’ perceived challenges and facilitators of vaccine communication; and 3) Develop and pilot a communication strategies curriculum for pediatricians tailored to address parental SRV hesitancy. This pilot study has the potential to generate contemporary, evidence-based communication tools to minimize physician burnout around vaccine discussions, and ultimately to promote pediatric SRV uptake. In the process, I will advance my training by developing 1) expertise in health communication and behavioral science, 2) advanced techniques in mixed methods design, 3) expertise in health communication interventions and implementation science, and 4) leadership and professional development skills to translate my findings into clinical practice. In summary, this research will help develop my expertise in mixed methods and behavioral interventions, enabling me to become an independent investigator capable of developing and translating novel vaccine hesitancy interventions to real-world clinical settings, with the ultimate goal of promoting widespread vaccine uptake among children.", "keywords": [], "approved": true } }, { "type": "Grant", "id": "15290", "attributes": { "award_id": "1K01DA058152-01A1", "title": "Exploring the antecendents and consequences of cannabis use in the context of coping: An experimental study", "funder": { "id": 4, "ror": "https://ror.org/01cwqze88", "name": "National Institutes of Health", "approved": true }, "funder_divisions": [ "National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)" ], "program_reference_codes": [], "program_officials": [ { "id": 28174, "first_name": "JOHN RAPHAEL", "last_name": "Fedota", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] } ], "start_date": "2024-08-01", "end_date": "2029-07-31", "award_amount": 188039, "principal_investigator": { "id": 31880, "first_name": "Carillon Joy", "last_name": "Skrzynski", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] }, "other_investigators": [], "awardee_organization": { "id": 1583, "ror": "", "name": "UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO", "address": "", "city": "", "state": "CO", "zip": "", "country": "United States", "approved": true }, "abstract": "As cannabis legalization increases, there have been concurrent increases in use. A common reason for use is the mitigation of anxiety and stress, which has been exacerbated with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, cannabis use for coping purposes is associated with greater quantity and frequency (Q/F) of cannabis use, increased risk for cannabis-related problems, and greater likelihood for cannabis dependence. In turn, greater Q/F of cannabis use and dependence can lead to safety risks, mental/physical health issues, and other problems like greater Q/F of alcohol use. Thus, developing a greater understanding of cannabis use for coping purposes is a critical research endeavor. There are several important avenues of research that can inform our understanding of this use pattern. The first is examining if quantity of cannabis is actually increased when used for coping purposes, which has not yet been experimentally tested, as well as exploring factors that may moderate this effect (e.g., social anxiety and inhibitory control). A second avenue is investigating whether cannabis use actually mitigates stress. A third avenue is exploring the biological role of the endocannabinoid system as a mechanism by which cannabis use may relate to acute stress reduction as well as the role of cannabinoid content in this process. Specifically, research shows that the endocannabinoid, arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA), is negatively associated with anxiety and stress such that it may mediate the relationship between cannabis use and stress reduction. Because the two main cannabis constituents, 9-delta tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are associated with disparate effects on AEA, they may differentially influence how cannabis use relates to stress. In particular, CBD may actually decrease stress compared to THC via greater effects on AEA production. This study proposes to examine these research questions with four aims. The first will experimentally test a causal relationship between cannabis use for coping purposes and quantity of cannabis use (i.e., if more cannabis is used after stress induction compared to a control condition among individuals who endorse cannabis use for coping purposes). The second will test if the relationship between stress and cannabis use is stronger for individuals with social anxiety and/or poorer inhibitory control. The third will test if cannabis use after stress is related to decreases in subjective and objective stress. The fourth will ask whether decreases in stress are mediated via increased AEA, and if this indirect relationship is stronger with greater CBD to THC product ratios. Knowledge gained from this study will have significant public health impact including aiding in intervention and prevention efforts for cannabis misuse and contributing data on the harm reduction potential of CBD.", "keywords": [], "approved": true } }, { "type": "Grant", "id": "15293", "attributes": { "award_id": "1U01IP001257-01", "title": "IP24-045, A Prospective Observational Study of Respiratory Virus Epidemiology in the Greater Boston Area", "funder": { "id": 4, "ror": "https://ror.org/01cwqze88", "name": "National Institutes of Health", "approved": true }, "funder_divisions": [ "National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)" ], "program_reference_codes": [], "program_officials": [], "start_date": "2024-08-01", "end_date": "2029-07-31", "award_amount": 4500000, "principal_investigator": { "id": 31884, "first_name": "Kathryn Elaine", "last_name": "Stephenson", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] }, "other_investigators": [], "awardee_organization": { "id": 771, "ror": "https://ror.org/04drvxt59", "name": "Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center", "address": "", "city": "", "state": "MA", "zip": "", "country": "United States", "approved": true }, "abstract": "Despite the extensive epidemiologic research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, there remain gaps in our knowledge about the epidemiology and transmission of priority respiratory viruses. For example, current surveillance networks in the United States are primarily limited to people who present for medical care and tend to enroll readily accessible populations like health care workers. The result is that policy makers have had limited insight into the epidemiology of respiratory viruses at the community-level, outside of medical settings and in fully representative populations. There is thus a great need for studies that can obtain data on young adults, children and pregnant women, as well as from diverse populations and socially vulnerable neighborhoods. This data would include information on the incidence and clinical burden of respiratory illnesses, attitudes towards preventive interventions, effectiveness of vaccines and antivirals, and duration of immunity following vaccination. In addition, changing viral characteristics with emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants has made it challenging to remain up to date with transmission characteristics, such as duration of infectiousness, attack rates, and determinants of household transmission. There is arguably even less known about these characteristics for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which are also major causes of morbidity. Such data are essential to advise on both protective public health and clinical guidelines to reduce respiratory virus-associated morbidity and mortality. To fill these knowledge gaps, we propose to conduct a prospective, longitudinal observational study of respiratory virus epidemiology in the Greater Boston Area, serving as a Pandemic Preparedness Cohort for the CDC. There are four components to our project, including an observational study with weekly symptom screening and symptomatic swabbing, an in-depth serologic sub-study, a case-ascertained household transmission study, and a data hub/analytic support initiative to coordinate the collective CDC Pandemic Preparedness Cohorts across the country. The overarching goal of our project is to support the US Health and Human Service Strategic Plan in safeguarding and improving national and global health conditions and outcomes.", "keywords": [], "approved": true } }, { "type": "Grant", "id": "15295", "attributes": { "award_id": "1R01AI179760-01A1", "title": "How Distinct Age-Associated B Cell Subsets Can Protect the Aged from Influenza", "funder": { "id": 4, "ror": "https://ror.org/01cwqze88", "name": "National Institutes of Health", "approved": true }, "funder_divisions": [ "National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)" ], "program_reference_codes": [], "program_officials": [ { "id": 26918, "first_name": "Michelle Marie", "last_name": "Arnold", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] } ], "start_date": "2024-08-19", "end_date": "2029-07-31", "award_amount": 586250, "principal_investigator": { "id": 31886, "first_name": "Susan L", "last_name": "Swain", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] }, "other_investigators": [], "awardee_organization": { "id": 790, "ror": "", "name": "UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER", "address": "", "city": "", "state": "MA", "zip": "", "country": "United States", "approved": true }, "abstract": "ABSTRACT: How Distinct Age-Associated B Cell Subsets Can Protect the Aged from Influenza. With age, the generation of T follicular helpers from naive CD4 T cells, and of germinal center B cells from follicular B cells, both of which are essential for the generation of high affinity antibody (Ab), become highly compromised. Most current vaccines for influenza in the elderly are ineffective at inducing these critical responses. Thus, the elderly, though protected by Ab already in place for pathogens encountered earlier in life, are highly susceptible to new strains of virus (e.g. new yearly variants of influenza) and newly emerged pathogens (e.g. pandemic influenzas, COVID-19). In aged mice, we noted the generation of an unusual population of Ab-secreting B cells in response to live influenza infection. We found they are derived from stimulation of recently described \"age-associated B cells\" (ABC) rather than conventional naïve follicular B cells. In aged mice influenza-induced ABC (iABC) responses are generated independently of CD4 T cell help, but are strictly depend on stimulation by pathogen- associated \"danger\" signals. Notably, the ABC are the predominant naïve B cells that respond to influenza infection in aged mice. We find only the IgD ABC subset of naïve ABC, respond, and that IgD ABC include two subsets, T-bet+/CD11c+ and T-bet-/CD11c-. Here we will determine the potential of each of these to respond to infection and generate Ab-secreting cells (AbSC), B cell memory and long-lived Ab-secreting cells in the lung and nasal tissues as well as the spleen, lymph node and bone marrow and define what signals from the influenza infection are needed. We will determine the contribution of the T-bet and non-T-bet responses to protection from reinfection. We will compare the ability of live influenza virus, whole inactivated virus and mRNA-LNP vaccine to generate ABC-derived responses and induce protective immunity, and test if adding infection-associated signals improves this. These results will give us new insights into this novel age-associated immune pathway and should provide new indications of how vaccines can be improved to provide more robust protection to the elderly who currently are highly vulnerable.", "keywords": [], "approved": true } }, { "type": "Grant", "id": "15296", "attributes": { "award_id": "1R25AI175011-01A1", "title": "Integrated Training Program in Vaccinology (ITP-Vax)", "funder": { "id": 4, "ror": "https://ror.org/01cwqze88", "name": "National Institutes of Health", "approved": true }, "funder_divisions": [ "National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)" ], "program_reference_codes": [], "program_officials": [ { "id": 31247, "first_name": "MADELYN", "last_name": "Reyes", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] } ], "start_date": "2024-08-15", "end_date": "2029-07-31", "award_amount": 352643, "principal_investigator": { "id": 31887, "first_name": "Sharon Mei", "last_name": "Tennant", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] }, "other_investigators": [], "awardee_organization": { "id": 793, "ror": "", "name": "UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE", "address": "", "city": "", "state": "MD", "zip": "", "country": "United States", "approved": true }, "abstract": "Vaccination has had a profound impact on human health and has eradicated or almost eradicated once feared diseases such as smallpox and polio and substantially decreased morbidity and mortality due to pneumococcus, measles and pertussis amongst many others. The utility and cost effectiveness of vaccination has been shown multiple times and most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 has had a devastating effect on humankind causing significant morbidity and mortality as well as major disruptions to the economy, education, the supply chain and mental health. However, the extremely rapid development and deployment of multiple COVID-19 vaccines has allowed society to return to a semblance of normality. These vaccines were developed because of the large amount of money invested by governments to de-risk development and the many dedicated vaccinologists (laboratory personnel, clinical trialists, nurses, regulatory affairs specialists, statisticians etc. in academia, government and industry) who were committed to working on a common goal. Additionally, novel vaccine platforms had been in development for many years so the knowledge about how these platforms could be harnessed for COVID-19 was already present. In order to be ready for the next pandemic, we need to ensure that there are sufficient individuals entering and staying in the field of vaccinology so that they can develop new platforms, evaluate and dissect immune responses, perform clinical trials and have a broad understanding of the entire vaccine development process. The overarching goal of the Integrated Training Program in Vaccinology (ITP-Vax) is to encourage more trainees to join the field of vaccinology, particularly under-represented minorities (URM), and to enable our existing outstanding early-career vaccinologists to excel in mentorship and to become fully independent. To achieve this goal, we propose the following aims: Aim 1) To provide training in mentorship to early-career investigators and assist them on their path to independence in vaccinology, and Aim 2) To provide comprehensive training in vaccinology to post-baccalaureate or Master’s level students who are intending to apply for a PhD or medical school in the next 1-2 years and who seek a career in vaccinology. We will also actively engage and recruit URM’s for ITP-Vax so that we can ultimately improve diversity in vaccinology.", "keywords": [], "approved": true } }, { "type": "Grant", "id": "15298", "attributes": { "award_id": "1R13AI186224-01", "title": "30th Annual Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Conference (MMPC)", "funder": { "id": 4, "ror": "https://ror.org/01cwqze88", "name": "National Institutes of Health", "approved": true }, "funder_divisions": [ "National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)" ], "program_reference_codes": [], "program_officials": [ { "id": 22573, "first_name": "Barbara L.", "last_name": "Mulach", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] } ], "start_date": "2024-08-01", "end_date": "2029-07-31", "award_amount": 7500, "principal_investigator": { "id": 31889, "first_name": "Ankur", "last_name": "Dalia", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] }, "other_investigators": [ { "id": 31890, "first_name": "Julia C.", "last_name": "van Kessel", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] } ], "awardee_organization": { "id": 1661, "ror": "", "name": "TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY", "address": "", "city": "", "state": "IN", "zip": "", "country": "United States", "approved": true }, "abstract": "The recent COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the rise and recurrence of infectious diseases, has underscored the vital role of microbial science in addressing global public health challenges. The Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Conference (MMPC) stands as an influential annual scientific meeting dedicated to showcasing exceptional research in microbial pathogenesis. MMPC focuses on nurturing the professional growth of junior faculty, students, and postdoctoral scholars, with a specific focus on those historically underrepresented in biological sciences, all while fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the exchange of scientific ideas and collaborations. Since its establishment in 1994, MMPC has been hosted yearly at academic institutions throughout the Midwest region of the United States. The steadily increasing attendance of >400 participants encompasses undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and faculty, who engage in extensive interactions. Through career development forums, the \"Meet the Speakers\" series, and informal gatherings during poster sessions, receptions, and meals, MMPC 2024 aims to facilitate extensive networking among scientists and institutions across the Midwest and beyond. The conference's regional accessibility, affordability, and substantial financial support for travel and registration make it possible to attract a diverse array of participants. This meeting has been consistently supported by the NIAID over the past 14 years, and here, we are requesting continued support for MMPC 2024-2028. The 30th annual MMPC will be hosted by Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana from September 6th-8th, 2024. In alignment with MMPC's rich tradition, >85% of the invited speakers (excluding the keynote and opening session speakers) will be trainees or junior faculty. Of the 15 invited faculty speakers, >50% are women and include diversity in terms of personal backgrounds, geographic origins, and research topics within the field of microbial pathogenesis. Additional oral presentations will be selected from abstracts submitted by students and postdoctoral fellows. As part of our commitment to promoting diversity and excellence, we aim to use funding from this grant application waive registration and lodging fees for 20 scholars who are women and/or from underrepresented groups. Further, we will waive the registration fee for an additional meritorious 13 trainees. MMPC 2024 will feature a keynote address by Dr. Kim Orth from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, an esteemed HHMI Investigator, a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Investigator, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Orth will present her groundbreaking research on how pathogenic bacteria invade host cells and cause disease. Support of this R13 grant application from the NIAID will facilitate the assembly of a diverse group of scientists from various microbiology subdisciplines, encouraging collaborative networks and advancing the careers of the next generation of scientists.", "keywords": [], "approved": true } }, { "type": "Grant", "id": "15301", "attributes": { "award_id": "1U01CA295049-01", "title": "Targeting CD180 to induce anti-KSHV response in nonhuman primates", "funder": { "id": 4, "ror": "https://ror.org/01cwqze88", "name": "National Institutes of Health", "approved": true }, "funder_divisions": [ "National Cancer Institute (NCI)" ], "program_reference_codes": [], "program_officials": [ { "id": 21648, "first_name": "Elizabeth Lee", "last_name": "Read-Connole", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] } ], "start_date": "2024-08-01", "end_date": "2029-07-31", "award_amount": 1212634, "principal_investigator": { "id": 31892, "first_name": "SCOTT W", "last_name": "WONG", "orcid": null, "emails": "", "private_emails": "", "keywords": null, "approved": true, "websites": null, "desired_collaboration": null, "comments": null, "affiliations": [] }, "other_investigators": [], "awardee_organization": { "id": 765, "ror": "https://ror.org/009avj582", "name": "Oregon Health & Science University", "address": "", "city": "", "state": "OR", "zip": "", "country": "United States", "approved": true }, "abstract": "The overall goals of this U01 application are two-fold. First, to investigate two potential KSHV targets, one structural and one non-structural, to determine if these two targets are capable of protecting vaccinated animals from infection. And, the second, to compare two vaccine strategies to stimulate immune responses to the KSHV antigens. The first approach utilizes mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) vaccines, the widely used vaccine strategy that has proven capable of inducing protective immunity against SARS-CoV2. The second approach employs a novel vaccine strategy that targets CD180, a toll-like receptor (TLR) expressed on antigen presenting cells (APCs) that can stimulate robust immune responses to conjugated antigens, even in the context of immune suppression. To accomplish these goals, we will utilize the rhesus macaque rhadinovirus (RRV)/rhesus macaque (RM) model of KSHV-like infection to evaluate the KSHV targets and compare the immune responses induced by the mRNA-LNPs and targeted CD180 vaccine platform. The innovation and strengths of this application are several and include the collaboration formed amongst the principal investigator, and co-investigators from the biotechnology sector (Abacus Bioscience), whose company's focus is on a novel targeted CD180 vaccine platform (anti-CD180) capable of inducing robust immune responses to conjugated antigens in rodents and nonhuman primates (NHPs), and academic co-investigator, whose expertise is on the characterization of primate antibody-mediated function. Importantly, data presented in the preliminary studies section supports this application as 1) CD180 is expressed on multiple B cell lineages, dendritic cells and monocytes, similar to that shown in humans. 2) fusion of an antigen to agonist anti-CD180 antibody (aCD180) provides the simultaneous antigen delivery and activation of the APC, resulting in a potent antigen-specific IgG production and expansion of activated antigen-specific T cells in immunocompetent and immune suppressed animals. 3) we have successfully expressed two recombinant aCD180-KSHV antigen complexes (aCD180-K8.1 ectodomain and aCD180-KSHV vIL6) to evaluate in vitro and in vivo. 4) we have established an oral challenge model for RRV infection, that results in virus infection. 5) we have created the necessary chimeric KSHV/RRV recombinants pseudotyped with KSHV glycoprotein K8.1 or a recombinant RRV encoding KSHV vIL-6 in place of RRV vIL-6. These chimeric RRV recombinants can infect and establish latent infections in RM, identical to wild-type RRV. Thus, the overall goals are to compare state-of-the-art mRNA-LNPs to the novel anti-CD180 platform to stimulate an anti-K8.1 and anti-vIL6 immune responses in immune competent and SIV-infected RM prior to oral RRV challenge/infection. The overall hypothesis is immunization targeting KSHV proteins will develop cell and humoral immune responses against viral antigens. This direct head-to-head comparison serves as a necessary prerequisite to evaluating either vaccine platform in RM prior to clinical evaluation in humans.", "keywords": [], "approved": true } } ], "meta": { "pagination": { "page": 1405, "pages": 1424, "count": 14236 } } }