Project #59: Determine the role of viral infections and viral-insulin carrying viruses in T1D pathogenesis
Forecasted
Project #59: Determine the role of viral infections and viral-insulin carrying viruses in T1D pathogenesis supports Boston College researchers studying viruses in T1D to inform prevention and treatment.
Funder: Diabetes Research Connection
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $25,000–$75,000 for one year; graduate students eligible for up to $50,000
Summary: DRC supports research into viral contributions to type 1 diabetes, including insulin-carrying viruses, to inform prevention and treatment.
Key Information: DRC funding is for early-career scientists conducting Type 1 diabetes research at U.S. institutions.
Description
Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) supports Aurelien Chuard, Ph.D., and his team at Boston College through Project #59, an active investigation into viral contributions to type 1 diabetes (T1D). The project examines viruses associated with T1D, including coxsackievirus B and gut-associated Iridoviridae viruses carrying genes similar to human insulin. The team is exploring whether these similarities contribute to immune attacks on insulin-producing beta cells, and how infections might trigger or potentially protect against T1D.
DRC’s broader grant program connects early-career scientists with donors to support novel, peer-reviewed, discovery-stage T1D research. Its one-year seed grants support work in cure, care, complications, and prevention, helping researchers establish proof of concept for larger grants. The application rules below concern this broader program.
