Role of Myeloid Cells in Persistence and Eradication of HIV-1 Reservoirs from the Brain (R01) | RFA MH 18 300

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA MH 18 300

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity "Role of Myeloid Cells in Persistence and Eradication of HIV-1 Reservoirs from the Brain (R01)" (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-MH-18-300) supports research focused on how HIV-1 persists in myeloid cells within the central nervous system (CNS) and how that reservoir might be effectively targeted or eliminated. The core scientific emphasis is on understanding the mechanisms that allow HIV-1 to remain in the brain despite antiretroviral therapy, with particular attention to myeloid-lineage cells (for example, resident brain macrophages/microglia and related populations) that may serve as long-lived viral reservoirs. The FOA is designed to move the field forward on both basic biology (how persistence happens and is maintained) and translational strategies (how to intervene in ways that could reduce or clear these reservoirs and improve outcomes relevant to HIV-associated CNS complications).

The announcement makes clear that a broad range of approaches is welcome, spanning fundamental mechanistic studies through more application-oriented projects aimed at therapeutic targeting, eradication strategies, or other interventions that address viral persistence in the brain. Research may be conducted in domestic (U.S.-based) or international settings, reflecting NIH interest in globally relevant HIV science and the value of studying diverse cohorts, viral subtypes, clinical contexts, and research infrastructures. While the FOA encourages multidisciplinary teams and collaborative alliances, it does not require them, meaning a single lab or institution can apply if it has the necessary expertise and resources, but partnerships across disciplines (such as neurovirology, immunology, neuropathology, pharmacology, imaging, and clinical neuroscience) are explicitly viewed as beneficial for tackling this complex reservoir problem.

From a funding mechanism standpoint, this specific opportunity uses the NIH R01 grant mechanism, which is generally intended for well-developed research projects with a strong scientific premise and, in many cases, preliminary data that support feasibility. The companion FOA (RFA-MH-18-301) uses the R21 mechanism, which is typically better suited for exploratory, high-risk/high-reward projects, including concepts that may not yet have extensive preliminary data or projects that primarily leverage existing datasets. The FOA frames this distinction directly: applicants who have preliminary data and a more mature research plan may prefer the R01 route, while earlier-stage or more speculative ideas may be a better fit for the R21.

Eligibility is broad and inclusive, consistent with many NIH research announcements. Eligible applicants include various levels of government (state, county, city/township, and special district governments), independent school districts, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. Academic institutions are eligible as well, including public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education. The FOA also welcomes applications from federally recognized Native American tribal governments and from Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments. Both nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status, and other than institutions of higher education) and for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) are eligible, alongside small businesses and other applicant types. In addition, the FOA highlights "Other Eligible Applicants" to underscore participation from Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This explicit list signals NIH interest in broad engagement, including institutions that serve historically underrepresented populations and international partners who can contribute unique expertise, cohorts, and research settings.

Administratively, the opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant under NIH, with activity areas tied to education and health, and it is associated with CFDA numbers 93.242, 93.279, and 93.853. The original closing date listed is 2017-09-06, and the record shows a creation date of 2017-05-01. While the summary provided does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, the central takeaway is that this FOA aims to accelerate progress toward understanding and ultimately addressing HIV persistence in brain myeloid cells, a key barrier to HIV cure strategies and an ongoing concern for neurological health in people living with HIV.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Role of Myeloid Cells in Persistence and Eradication of HIV-1 Reservoirs from the Brain (R01)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242, 93.279, 93.853.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-05-01.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2017-09-06. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA MH 18 300

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