Federal Project Grant Award Summary

National Jewish Health received a $1,559,468 Project Grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837), awarded July 10, 2026, with a completion date of June 30, 2028. The research investigates the physiological function of MyD88-S (myeloid differentiation factor 88 short form), a protein splice variant that modulates Toll-like receptor signaling in response to pathogenic infection. Using a novel genetically modified mouse model lacking MyD88-S, the research will characterize the molecular mechanisms by which MyD88-S differentially inhibits NFκB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) while activating AP-1 (activator protein-1) transcription factors, and determine how this dual regulatory effect impacts pro-inflammatory gene expression and lung inflammation.

The grant supports fundamental mechanistic research designed to advance understanding of how alternative pre-mRNA splicing serves as a negative feedback mechanism in inflammatory pathways. The deliverables include characterization of MyD88-S signaling pathways and quantitative assessment of their impact on lung inflammatory responses in vivo, with potential implications for development of therapeutic interventions in chronic inflammatory lung disease. This award aligns with NHLBI's portfolio emphasis on hypothesis-driven, mechanistic research in pulmonary pathology and represents continued support for National Jewish Health's established expertise in T-cell and macrophage biology and pulmonary disease mechanisms.