The "Mechanisms of Inducing HIV Immunity in Early Life (MIEL)" funding opportunity (U01, Clinical Trial Not Allowed) issued by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) supports research focused on understanding how immunity to HIV can be established, developed, and maintained in early life (birth to less than 12 years old). This initiative seeks to address gaps in knowledge regarding the immune mechanisms during early life, particularly concerning the use of prophylactic HIV vaccines and broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies (bNAbs) to prevent HIV infection.

The goal of this funding opportunity is to promote research that explores how early-life immunization strategies can lead to durable and broad immune responses against HIV. The program encourages research on both active and passive immunization approaches, such as the development of vaccines or administration of bNAbs. Applicants may use human samples or nonhuman primate (NHP) models to study mechanisms of HIV immunity in early childhood, focusing on the role of immune ontogeny and functionality in developing protective responses.

Eligible research topics include understanding how maternal factors, such as breastfeeding, influence the immune responses of infants to HIV prevention interventions, as well as identifying pathways involved in the development of bNAbs in children. Other potential research areas include the impact of vaccine adjuvants on pediatric immunity and mechanisms that drive tissue-specific immune responses in young children.

NIAID intends to commit $3 million in FY 2025 to fund 3-4 awards under this program, with direct costs expected to not exceed $750,000 per year. The maximum project period is five years. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and state or local governments, among others. International entities are also eligible to apply.

Applications are expected to reflect the actual needs of the proposed research, and multidisciplinary collaboration is strongly encouraged. The submission due date is October 9, 2024, and no clinical trials are permitted under this funding opportunity. The program also requires the formation of a Steering Committee and an External Scientific Advisory Board (ESAB) to monitor and guide the research progress.