Federal Project Grant Summary

Washington State University received a $497,779 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), effective February 17, 2026 through January 31, 2031. This research initiative investigates the role of FN-14 (fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14) receptor in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced inflammation and tissue destruction, with particular focus on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. The project employs molecular and cellular approaches including gene knockdown studies, RNA sequencing, and gene set enrichment analysis in human RA synovial fibroblasts to elucidate novel signaling mechanisms that TNF-α exploits to propagate inflammatory responses.

The research addresses a critical gap in understanding TNF-α-mediated inflammation, as current TNF inhibitor therapies prove ineffective in over 40% of patients. By characterizing FN-14's role in regulating inflammatory mediators such as RANTES, MCP-1, MMP-1, podoplanin, and cadherin-11, the project aims to identify alternative therapeutic targets and develop novel pharmacological approaches to suppress TNF-α function in RA. The anticipated outcomes include identification of differentially expressed genes affected by FN-14 modulation and mechanistic insights that could inform development of more effective treatments for TNF-α-driven autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.