Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill received a $427,625 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to conduct research on novel immunotherapeutic approaches for Type 1 Diabetes. The award, effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2028, funds an investigator-initiated research project titled "Coreceptor Therapy-Induced De-differentiation of Autoreactive TFH." The research aims to develop and evaluate coreceptor therapy (CORT) using low-dose nondepleting anti-CD4 antibodies to induce the de-differentiation of T follicular helper cells (TFH) and their conversion into functional regulatory T cells (Treg), thereby promoting immune tolerance and suppressing autoimmune B cell destruction of insulin-producing cells.

The project will deliver scientific research outputs across two specific aims: (1) assessment of CORT efficacy in promoting TFH de-differentiation and Treg conversion in both murine and human model systems, along with investigation of the underlying regulatory mechanisms, and (2) characterization of the pathogenic versus immunosuppressive functions of CORT-induced, de-differentiated TFH. This research seeks to establish a selective immunotherapeutic approach to block autoreactive TFH activity while enhancing protective immunoregulation, with anticipated applicability to other autoimmune diseases beyond Type 1 Diabetes where TFH cells contribute to disease pathogenesis.