Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded the University of Idaho a Project Grant totaling $505,406 under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) on June 12, 2026, with a completion date of May 31, 2031. This five-year research initiative will investigate cell form determination during the chlamydial intracellular infectious cycle, specifically examining the mechanisms that regulate the development of distinct bacterial cell forms—the elementary body (EB), reticulate body (RB), and intermediate body (IB)—that are central to chlamydial pathogenesis. The research addresses a critical knowledge gap in understanding EB germination and RB reformation, with preliminary data suggesting roles for DNA replication and the DNA-binding proteins EUO and DDBA in this developmental process.

The award will support basic biomedical research conducted at the University of Idaho's Moscow, Idaho campus aimed at establishing a comprehensive understanding of chlamydial developmental mechanisms. This research has direct relevance to multiple human pathogens within the Chlamydia genus, including causative agents of sexually transmitted infections, trachoma (the leading preventable cause of blindness worldwide), respiratory disease, and zoonotic infections. By advancing scientific knowledge of chlamydial biology, this project contributes to NIAID's mission to improve public health outcomes and support the development of enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for infectious diseases.