Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Syracuse University received a $137,429 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 April 20, 2026, with a completion date of March 31, 2028. The award supports the development of tolerogenic dendritic cell (tolDC) membrane-coated nanoparticles designed to provide precision therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). The research addresses a significant clinical need by developing protein-decorated, rapamycin-encapsulated nanoparticles that selectively suppress central nervous system (CNS)-infiltrated autoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells, leveraging tolDC inhibitory surface proteins including programmed death-ligand 1 and 2 (PD-L1/2) and Fas ligand (FasL).

This project aims to advance personalized MS treatment by overcoming current therapeutic limitations, including broad immunosuppression and inability to provide long-term relief. The research targets the heterogeneity and complexity of MS pathology driven by autoreactive T cells while addressing drug delivery challenges posed by the blood-brain barrier. The anticipated outcome is a generalizable treatment strategy capable of antigen-specific suppression of autoantigen-reactive T cells, potentially transforming MS management for the approximately one million Americans currently affected by the disease.