Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Utah received a $3.07 million Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), awarded June 16, 2026, with a completion date of May 31, 2030. This investigator-initiated research project will investigate the mechanobiological mechanisms governing regulatory T cell (Treg) function, specifically examining how Tregs apply force to T cell receptor (TCR)-antigen interactions as a distinguishing feature from effector T cells. The research will employ sensitive technologies to measure dynamic parameters of TCR-antigen binding, with particular focus on quantifying cellular forces as a novel biomarker for Treg suppressive activity.

The project deliverables include novel scientific insights into previously unknown mechanisms of Treg biology through three research aims designed to test the hypothesis that differences in cellular force application are fundamental to Treg uniqueness and suppressive phenotype. The research will produce peer-reviewed scientific publications, characterization of proteins expressed by Tregs that explain force-related differences, and foundational knowledge intended to support improved therapeutic applications of Tregs in clinical settings. This basic science research directly addresses gaps in understanding immunoregulatory mechanisms relevant to autoimmune disease, cancer immunotherapy, and infectious disease management.