Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Cornell University received a $2.8 million Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), awarded on February 4, 2026, with completion targeted for January 31, 2030. This research project investigates post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms of pathogenic T helper 17 (TH17) cells, specifically examining how CD28 signaling modulates TH17 differentiation and function through novel molecular pathways involving the kinase PIP5K1A and the mRNA cap-binding protein ARS2. The research encompasses basic science and translational studies utilizing humanized mouse models and primary human T cells to elucidate mechanisms relevant to autoimmune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis.

The grant supports development of experimental tools and mechanistic insights into TH17 cell regulation that could inform future therapeutic targets for controlling dysregulated immune responses in autoimmune conditions. Research activities include characterization of CD28-mediated signaling effects on inflammatory cytokine expression, validation of PIP5K1A and ARS2 as potential intervention points, and evaluation of disease prevention strategies in animal models of multiple sclerosis (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis). Deliverables are expected to advance scientific understanding of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and contribute to the foundation for developing novel immunomodulatory therapeutics through competitive peer-reviewed research.