Federal Grant Award Summary

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) received a $582,845 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) on June 18, 2026, with a completion date of May 31, 2031. The award supports basic science research investigating calcium signaling mechanisms in MR1-dependent antigen presentation, with a focus on how the immune system detects intracellular pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The research deliverables consist of three integrated investigative aims designed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing MR1 antigen presentation to T cells. The project will characterize the role of two-pore channel 1 in MR1-dependent antigen presentation at endoplasmic reticulum-endosome contact sites; determine the function of calcium-sensitive synaptotagmins and their binding partners in the antigen presentation pathway; and investigate mechanisms underlying augmented MR1 antigen presentation following modulation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. The anticipated outcomes include foundational scientific knowledge and methodological advances relevant to immunological mechanisms underlying infectious disease detection and immune response, ultimately contributing to improved understanding of tuberculosis pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.