The Elucidating Immunometabolic Responses to HIV Infection that Increase TB or HBV Risk funding opportunity, issued by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, supports exploratory research to understand how HIV-induced immunometabolic alterations contribute to the progression of tuberculosis or hepatitis B in people living with HIV. This program is part of the R21 grant mechanism, which supports early-stage, high-risk projects that explore innovative ideas or approaches. Projects funded under this notice aim to identify biological mechanisms, biomarkers, or potential therapeutic targets for reducing TB or HBV disease risk in individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy.

Research areas of interest include studies on the role of immunometabolism in disease progression, cell-to-cell interactions during HIV and TB or HBV co-infection, and multi-omic analyses of immune cell subsets. Applications may include novel machine learning or artificial intelligence approaches, in vitro or in vivo model systems, and analysis of existing clinical samples or data. Projects that focus on immunometabolic changes unrelated to HIV, or that do not address co-infection with TB or HBV, will be considered nonresponsive and will not be reviewed. Clinical trials are not allowed under this notice.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, local and state governments, tribal entities, and foreign institutions. Non-domestic entities and components of U.S. organizations may also apply. Applicants must complete required registrations, including SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov, well in advance of submission deadlines. Project budgets may not exceed $275,000 in direct costs over two years, with no more than $200,000 in any single year. The total project period cannot exceed two years.

Applications will be evaluated for scientific merit based on the significance of the research, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and the expertise of the research team. The review process will consider the potential impact on understanding HIV-driven immunometabolic mechanisms and their role in TB or HBV progression. Applicants are encouraged to form multidisciplinary teams and leverage existing resources, such as clinical samples or data. The program strongly supports collaborative approaches that advance fundamental knowledge and identify pathways for future therapeutic interventions.

Standard NIH submission dates apply, with due dates in May, September, and January. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and all required documents must follow NIH application guidelines. Final funding decisions will consider scientific merit, program priorities, and the availability of funds. For questions, applicants are encouraged to contact program officials at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases before submitting their applications.