Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded The Leland Stanford Junior University a $809,250 Project Grant on April 8, 2026, under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to advance induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived thymic epithelial cell (TEC) therapies for T cell immune reconstitution. The research aims to develop regenerative thymic tissues that can restore immune function in vulnerable populations, including elderly individuals experiencing immune senescence, patients with acquired thymic injury from medications or radiation, and individuals with congenital athymia (genetic absence of the thymus). Stanford researchers will leverage single-cell transcriptomics and novel differentiation platforms to generate functional iPSC-derived TEC organoids that, when transplanted, can facilitate the development of diverse, self-tolerant T cell receptor repertoires and restore immunocompetence in immunodeficient patients.

This project, with a completion date of March 31, 2031, addresses critical immune reconstitution needs highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic and represents a translational approach to regenerating thymic function through cellular therapy. The research will be conducted at Stanford University's Palo Alto, California campus and is expected to generate foundational knowledge and therapeutic candidates that advance treatment options for immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and increased cancer risk associated with thymic compromise.