Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Iowa received a $649,484 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), awarded February 10, 2026, with completion scheduled for January 31, 2031. This research project investigates the impact of whole-body radiation exposure on pathogen-specific memory CD8 T cells, addressing a critical knowledge gap in understanding radiation-induced immune dysfunction. The research focuses on how accidental or deliberate radiation exposure affects pre-existing CD8 T cell memory populations—specifically examining both circulating memory CD8 T cells (TCM) and tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM)—to inform the development of medical countermeasures for radiation exposure victims.

The project delivers fundamental biomedical research aimed at clarifying the mechanisms by which radiation disrupts immune system function, with particular emphasis on the longevity and protective capacity of pathogen and vaccine-induced CD8 T cell memory. By elucidating how radiation exposure compromises the body's ability to mount effective immune responses against re-infection, this research addresses an important public health priority and contributes to the scientific foundation necessary for developing therapeutic interventions for both accidental radiation exposures and deliberate radiation scenarios. The research is conducted at the University of Iowa's Iowa City campus and supports the broader federal research mission to advance knowledge of infectious and immunologic disease mechanisms.