Mechanisms Of Graft Acceptance In Clinical Islet Transplantation - Strategic Research Agreements (SRAs)

Overview

Funding Opportunity Description

Breakthrough T1D aims to fill critical gaps in the understanding of mechanisms contributing to graft acceptance and immune tolerance in islet transplantation. While graft survival rates have improved with more refined immune suppression strategies, islet procurement, and surgical procedures, there is still significant heterogeneity in the therapeutic outcomes for islet transplant recipients. While the alloimmune response is likely to drive rejection in many cases, the interactions between islet graft and host immune system are not fully characterized, particularly in the context of successful islet transplants. In addition, the reoccurrence of autoimmunity despite immunosuppressive protocols occurs in some islet transplant recipients. Lastly, the stress and metabolic state of islet grafts is likely to contribute to long-term survival. Overall, the mechanisms that determine why some patients maintain graft function, while others do not, are not entirely clear. This funding opportunity aims to advance our understanding of graft acceptance and immune tolerance in islet transplantation using existing clinical data. Therefore, Breakthrough T1D is soliciting Letters of Intent (LOI) from investigators who have access to such datasets with the aim to ultimately support long-term islet survival and improve therapeutic outcomes of current and future islet transplantation approaches for T1D.

Relevant datasets may include National Institutes of Health NIDDK Central Repository studies, CIT02 through CIT08, pan-CIT, and Collaborative Islet Transplant Registry samples/data, or center-specific datasets from national islet transplant programs and registries, and clinical trials. Industry-sponsored trials and/or trials using alternative sources of insulin-producing cells (e.g., human stem cell-derived islets or porcine sources) are also of interest.

Strategic Research Agreements (SRAs)

Strategic Research Agreements are intended for support of research activities at not-for-profit entities such as academic institutions. For SRAs, proposed budgets for projects should not exceed $750,000.00 USD (including 10% indirect costs) total costs for up to two (2) years. The level of funding will vary depending on the scope, data available, need to perform additional laboratory assays, access to samples, degree of data analysis to be performed, and overall objectives of the proposal. If your project budget and/or timeline exceeds $750,000.00 and/or 2 years, please discuss with Breakthrough T1D staff (contact information below). For more information on the Strategic Research Agreement (SRA) grant mechanism please refer to our grant handbook.

Eligibility

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