Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded a $661,009 Project Grant to The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center for a five-year research initiative (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2031) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855). This project delivers comprehensive genetic and immunological research investigating ABCF1 (ATP-binding cassette sub-family F member 1) variants in celiac disease and autoimmunity. The research program combines whole exome sequencing, molecular and cellular immunological studies, and animal model investigations to characterize how rare ABCF1 loss-of-function mutations contribute to immune dysregulation, increased interferon-stimulated gene expression, and susceptibility to autoimmune disorders including celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

The research outputs include mechanistic insights into ABCF1's regulatory role in Type I interferon signaling pathways, innate immune responses mediated by pattern-associated molecular pattern recognition, and intestinal inflammation. Using conditional ABCF1-deficient mouse models and peripheral blood mononuclear cell analyses from affected individuals, the project will establish foundational knowledge regarding this novel genetic disorder of immunity. These deliverables advance understanding of disease pathogenesis that may inform future therapeutic interventions for celiac disease and related autoimmune conditions, consistent with NIAID's mission to support investigator-initiated biomedical research addressing immunologic disorders and infectious disease mechanisms.