Impact of Immunotherapies on CNS Outcomes in People with HIV: Potential Benefits, Challenges and Risks
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions studying immunotherapy effects on central nervous system outcomes in people living with HIV. Academic medical centers, universities, research institutes, and eligible nonprofit organizations can apply. NIH grants typically require institutional affiliation and NIH registration compliance. The grant supports research activities that advance understanding of immunotherapy benefits, challenges, and safety risks in this population.
Eligible applicants include postdoctoral researchers, faculty, research scientists, and established investigators. Institutions must have appropriate infrastructure and oversight for human subjects or animal research. Domestic and some international organizations meeting NIH requirements may apply.
Applications must demonstrate scientific merit and relevance to HIV immunotherapy research. Applicants should have relevant research experience and institutional support for the proposed work.
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Key dates
- Mar 16, 2026 Applications open
- Oct 22, 2026 Application deadline in 97 days
- Jul 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) intends to publish a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to solicit biphasic research applications to evaluate the impact of HIV immunotherapies on central nervous system (CNS) outcomes in people with HIV and to identify mechanisms, benefits, and risks associated with their use in the CNS compartment. The primary goal is to generate evidence that informs whether HIV immunotherapies can safely and effectively target CNS HIV persistence while minimizing neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. By addressing CNS-specific barriers such as blood brain barrier penetration, compartmentalized viral dynamics, and immune-mediated effects, this NOFO will support the development of strategies that contribute to sustained virologic remission across anatomical compartments and improve long-term neurologic and cognitive outcomes in people with HIV. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. Investigators with expertise and insights into the impact of HIV immunotherapies on the CNS and viral reservoirs are strongly encouraged to apply to this new NOFO. This NOFO will utilize the R21/R33 activity code.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- HBCU
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal Application for Federal Assistance)
- Research Project Narrative or Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biosketch for all key personnel
- Letters of Institutional Support
- Vertebrate Animals or Human Subjects protocol documentation (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Division of AIDS Research
- 📧 NIMH.DAR.inquiries@nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via email.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.242 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$78,262,050
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$75,056,208
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$74,756,329
-
$64,705,159
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$63,991,707
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$54,214,022
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$48,653,752
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$38,895,082
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$38,475,557
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$35,940,675
Top States by Funding
- CA 15 awards $408.1M
- MA 9 awards $230.5M
- NY 6 awards $184.2M
- CT 4 awards $183.5M
- WA 4 awards $174.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.242). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,722,300,004 | |
| 2025 | $1,726,864,191 | |
| 2026 est. | $99,221,272 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this NIH research grant?
Faculty, postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, and established investigators at eligible institutions can apply. Your institution must be registered with NIH and able to manage federal grants.
What types of research are supported?
Research examining how immunotherapies affect central nervous system outcomes in people with HIV. This includes studies on benefits, challenges, and potential risks of these approaches.
What documents will I need to submit?
Standard NIH research grant documents include an SF-424 form, research plan or proposal narrative, budget and budget justification, biosketch, and institutional support letters. Check the specific FOA for additional requirements.
How competitive is this funding?
NIH research grants are highly competitive. Strong scientific rationale, preliminary data, and clear innovation are essential. Review panels evaluate scientific merit, feasibility, and team qualifications closely.
What is the typical funding range?
R01 grants (common NIH mechanism) range from $100,000 to $500,000+ annually depending on the budget and scope. Check your FOA for the specific mechanism and award ceiling.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish preliminary data showing feasibility of your immunotherapy research approach before applying.
- Clearly articulate the unmet need in HIV CNS outcomes and how your research addresses it.
- Assemble a multidisciplinary team with expertise in HIV, immunology, and neuroscience or infectious disease.
- Build strong institutional commitments with letters of support from department leadership and research infrastructure.
- Allow 50-100 hours for a competitive application including narrative writing, budget development, and team input.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack sufficient preliminary data demonstrating proof-of-concept. Teams fail to clearly link immunotherapy mechanisms to specific CNS outcomes. Budgets appear inflated or poorly justified relative to proposed research activities.
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