Federal Grant Award Summary

Duke University's Office of Research Administration received a $377,506 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) under the Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.846), effective June 5, 2026, with a completion date of May 31, 2028. The grant funds the development of a novel Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy designed to address Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) by targeting both pro-inflammatory macrophages and fibrogenic fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) in diseased muscle tissue. This first-in-class approach aims to reprogram the dystrophic tissue microenvironment and restore conditions favorable for muscle regeneration, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of existing gene and cell therapies.

The research deliverables include preclinical evaluation and characterization of CAR-T therapy effects on inflammation and fibrosis in murine DMD models (Aim 1) and assessment of the therapy's impact on muscle regeneration and functional outcomes in both limb and diaphragm muscles (Aim 2). The project is expected to generate peer-reviewed publications, preclinical animal model data, and mechanistic insights that could establish a new therapeutic framework for DMD and other chronic inflammatory and fibrotic muscle diseases. Research will be performed at Duke University's Durham, North Carolina facility.