Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded the University of Florida Division of Sponsored Research a $230,250 Project Grant under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) effective July 14, 2026, with completion scheduled for June 30, 2028. This grant funds structural and biophysical characterization research on adeno-associated virus (AAV) genome packaging and ejection mechanisms to enhance vector design for gene therapy delivery. The research addresses critical inefficiencies in AAV-mediated genome release that currently require elevated therapeutic doses, resulting in adverse patient outcomes and prohibitively expensive treatments (ranging from $850,000 to $3.5 million per dose).

The project delivers two primary research outputs: (1) determination of REP protein interactions with AAV capsids during genome packaging to develop vectors with improved packaging efficiency, and (2) identification of genome release triggers and development of AAV capsids that prevent premature therapeutic gene ejection prior to nuclear entry. These deliverables are intended to generate AAV vectors with increased transgene expression and improved therapeutic efficacy, directly addressing manufacturing and transduction challenges in FDA-approved genetic disease treatments. The work is performed at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, leveraging the institution's established federal research infrastructure and expertise in life sciences research.