Impact of Immunotherapies on CNS Outcomes in People with HIV: Potential Benefits, Challenges and Risks
This grant will fund research on how HIV immunotherapies affect the brain and nervous system in people with HIV, aiming to improve safety, effectiveness, and long-term neurological outcomes.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Estimated total program funding: $2,000,000; ~4 awards anticipated; R21/R33 activity code.
Summary: Supports research evaluating the impact of HIV immunotherapies on central nervous system (CNS) outcomes in people with HIV, focusing on efficacy, safety, and mechanisms.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; dates and details may change when officially posted.
Description
This forthcoming opportunity from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) will solicit biphasic research applications (R21/R33) aimed at evaluating the effects of HIV immunotherapies on central nervous system (CNS) outcomes in people living with HIV. The primary objective is to generate evidence on whether these immunotherapies can safely and effectively target CNS HIV persistence, while minimizing neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. The program encourages research addressing CNS-specific barriers such as blood-brain barrier penetration, compartmentalized viral dynamics, and immune-mediated effects, with the goal of developing strategies for sustained virologic remission and improved long-term neurologic and cognitive outcomes. Investigators with expertise in HIV immunotherapies, CNS outcomes, and viral reservoirs are especially encouraged to consider applying.
