The Role of the Innate Immune System in the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is issuing a competitive research grant to fund up to seven projects that investigate how the innate immune system contributes to the initiation of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The program seeks multidisciplinary teams with expertise in innate immunity, beta‑cell biology, and new‑approach methodologies (NAMs) to define environmental triggers and immune pathways that could enable earlier risk identification and inform prevention strategies. Funding will be provided through a cooperative agreement mechanism, with a total estimated budget of $15 million. Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal by the deadline, and awards are expected to begin in July 2028. • Focus: innate immune mechanisms and environmental factors in T1D onset. • Funding: $15 M total, up to 7 awards (average ~ $2.1 M per award). • Mechanism: Cooperative Agreement (NIH CA). • Eligibility: broad – includes tribal, state, local, nonprofit, for‑profit, and foreign entities. • Timeline: Posting 9/24/2026 → Application deadline 10/13/2027 → Award 7/1/2028 → Project start 7/1/2028. • Expected deliverables: high‑impact research data, novel biomarkers, and mechanistic insights for future T1D prevention.