Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded the University of Utah $756,078 under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) on February 19, 2026, for a project grant extending through January 31, 2031. This research initiative investigates the mechanisms by which depleting anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibodies interact with autoimmune environments in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The primary deliverable is scientific research designed to elucidate why PD-1-targeting therapeutic agents produce divergent treatment outcomes depending on disease stage—demonstrating protective effects in early-stage insulitis while unexpectedly accelerating disease progression in late-stage insulitis. This understanding will inform improved design and clinical application of T1D therapeutics by identifying immune determinants that drive variable treatment responses.

The research employs single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry to profile pancreatic islet and systemic immune cells before and after treatment, generating detailed immunological data that characterizes how the immune microenvironment influences therapeutic efficacy. By systematically investigating both the immune characteristics of T1D patients at different disease stages and the functional properties of PD-1-depleting agents, the project will produce peer-reviewed publications, experimental datasets, and mechanistic insights intended to advance the field's understanding of antibody-based immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases and inform future clinical treatment protocols.