Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Pittsburgh received a $452,835 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 2, 2026, with a completion date of January 31, 2028. This award funds research to develop novel nanobiologic therapeutics targeting innate immune memory responses in organ transplant rejection. The research focuses on investigating the role of heat shock protein 70 inducible form (HSP70i) in allogeneic innate immune memory (allo-IMEM) responses and testing the therapeutic efficacy of dual pathway inhibition targeting both mTOR and HSP70i in innate immune cells to reverse T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and improve long-term allograft outcomes.

The funded research addresses a critical clinical gap by developing immunomodulating therapeutics capable of controlling acute TCMR episodes that persist despite current treatment approaches. The project deliverables include investigation of HSP70i mechanisms in transplant rejection pathways and preclinical evaluation of nanobiologic candidates that simultaneously inhibit mTOR and HSP70i signaling in innate immune cells. Upon successful completion, this research promises to identify novel molecular targets and establish improved therapeutic approaches for managing allograft rejection and enhancing long-term transplant success in patients.