Biodefense Grants and Contracts:
FY2004 Awards
In fiscal year (FY) 2004, NIAID awarded a number of grants and contracts to expand scientific research and development for biodefense. These initiatives have been categorized according to the following four areas:
- Research Resources—initiatives to build biodefense research capacity and infrastructure
- Product Development—initiatives to support all phases of development of a candidate product or platform technology, including development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics
- Clinical Research—initiatives to evaluate biodefense therapies, vaccines, and diagnostics
- Basic Research—programs to investigate pathogen biology, host response, microbial genomic sequencing, and proteomics
Details concerning specific initiatives and related award information may be found below.
Bioinformatics Integration Support Contract (BISC)
Objective: To integrate data and analysis for basic and applied biodefense research programs
Contact Info
Cheryl Kraft
E-mail: ckraft@mail.nih.gov
Bioinformatics Resource Centers
Objective: To focus on data related to multiple organisms selected from the NIAID lists of Category A – C priority pathogens and other pathogens causing emerging and reemerging diseases. Relational databases will be established to collect a variety of data types, such as genome sequencing, comparative genomics, genome polymorphisms, gene expression, proteomics, and host/pathogen interactions and pathways.
Contact Info
Valentina Di Francesco
E-mail: vdifrancesco@niaid.nih.gov
Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Program
Objective: To develop and maintain an integrated, Web-based, searchable database of antibody binding sites (B cell epitopes) and antigenic MHC-binding peptides (T cell epitopes) for a wide variety of infectious agents and immune-mediated diseases, with an emphasis on Category A – C pathogens, as well as emerging/reemerging infectious diseases. The information in the database and the availability of analysis tools will facilitate identification of novel vaccine candidates and immunotherapeutic strategies against these pathogens.
Contact Info
Alison Deckhut Augustine
E-mail: adeckhut@niaid.nih.gov
Large-Scale B and T Cell Epitope Discovery Program
Objective: To support research programs for large-scale discovery of novel B and T cell epitopes for Category A – C pathogens and emerging/re-emerging infectious diseases utilizing technological advances, including computer-based epitope prediction algorithms, genome-wide scanning, structural genomics, high-pressure liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, phage-display libraries, and combinatorial synthetic peptide library screens. In addition, the program will support the development of new or improved high-throughput screening methods for epitope discovery.
Contact Info
Alison Deckhut Augustine
E-mail: adeckhut@niaid.nih.gov
Proteomics Research Centers
Objective: To discover targets for potential candidates for the next generation of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. This program will use existing proteomics technologies, augment existing technologies, create novel proteomics approaches, and perform early stage validation of targets. It will focus on NIAID Category A – C priority pathogens and other microorganisms responsible for emerging and/or reemerging diseases.
Contact Info
Joseph Breen
E-mail: jbreen@niaid.nih.gov
Reagent Development for Monitoring Immunity in Non-Human Primates
Objective: To support the development of reagents for analyzing the immune response, develop technologies for immune monitoring, and develop high-throughput techniques for MHC typing in non-human primate disease models.
Contact Info
Kristy Kraemer
E-mail: kkraemer@mail.nih.gov
Challenge Grants: Biodefense and SARS Product Development (UC1)
Objective: To facilitate collaborative partnerships between government and the private sector for further development of already identified products against NIAID Category A, B, and C high-priority pathogens and all stages of product development against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), including vaccines, adjuvants, therapeutics, diagnostics, and research resources.
Contact Info
Vaccines: Linda Lambert
E-mail: LL153P@nih.gov
Adjuvants: David Winter
E-mail: dwinter@niaid.nih.gov
Therapeutics: Mark Challberg
E-mail: MC37E@nih.gov
Immunotherapeutics: Alison Deckhut Augustine
E-mail: ad122x@nih.gov
Diagnostics: Maria Giovanni
E-mail: MG37U@nih.gov
Research Resources: John Rogers
E-mail: MR92I@nih.gov
Clinical Studies: Holli Hamilton
E-mail: HH8F@nih.gov
Cooperative Research for the Development of Vaccines, Adjuvants, Therapeutics, Immunotherapeutics, and Diagnostics for Biodefense and SARS (U01, U19)
Objective: To support discovery/design and development of vaccines, therapeutics, adjuvants, and diagnostics for biodefense. This program will help translate research from the target identification stage through target validation to early product development.
Contact Info
Vaccine Research: Clare Schmitt
E-mail: cs453y@nih.gov
Adjuvants Research: David Winter
E-mail: dwinter@niaid.nih.gov
Therapeutics Research: Catherine Laughlin
E-mail: cl28r@nih.gov
Immunotherapeutics Research: Alison Deckhut Augustine
E-mail: ad122x@nih.gov
Diagnostic Research: Robert Hall
E-mail: rhall@niaid.nih.gov
Vector Control Research: Kathryn Aultman
E-mail: ka6z@nih.gov
Development, Testing, and Evaluation of Candidate Vaccines Against Plague
Objective: To develop recombinant plague vaccine candidates, manufacture and test the vaccine(s), and conduct clinical studies in healthy populations. May be followed by testing in at-risk populations.
Contact Info
Vicki Pierson
E-mail: VPierson@niaid.nih.gov
NIAID Small Business Biodefense Program
Objective: To encourage Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) applications to develop therapeutics, vaccines, adjuvants/immunostimulants, diagnostics, and selected resources for biodefense.
Contact Info
Barbara Mulach
E-mail: bmulach@nih.gov
Production and Testing of a Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) Vaccine
Objective: To continue advanced development and manufacture of an MVA vaccine, with the intention of targeting MVA vaccine candidates that can be produced at a scale to support commercial manufacturing.
Contact Info
Gerald Kovacs
E-mail: gkovacs@niaid.nih.gov
Atopic Dermatitis and Vaccinia Immunization Network
Objective: To develop short- and long-term approaches to reduce the incidence and severity of eczema vaccinatum and protect individuals with atopic dermatitis from the adverse consequences of vaccinia exposure. The Network consists of the (1) Clinical Studies Consortium, (2) Animal Studies Consortium, and (3) Statistical and Data Coordinating Center.
Contact Info
Marshall Plaut
E-mail: mplaut@niaid.nih.gov
Hyperaccelerated Award/Mechanisms in Immunomodulation Trials
Objective: To incorporate mechanistic immunological studies in clinical trials of vaccine candidates for Category A – C pathogens.
Contact Info
Annette Rothermel
E-mail: arothermel@niaid.nih.gov
Population Genetic Analysis Program: Immunity to Vaccines/Infections
Objective: To characterize polymorphisms in human immune response genes, including the expression patterns of innate and adaptive immune response genes after natural infections with, or vaccination against, pathogens, and to examine the functional significance of these responses. These studies will provide a better understanding of immune responses to infection and vaccination, which may lead to identification of novel immunotherapeutic targets for vaccines and drugs to prevent and treat infections.
Contact Info
Nasrin Nabavi
E-mail: nnabavi@mail.nih.gov
Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Opportunities
Objective: To encourage the submission of investigator-initiated research grant applications in biodefense and select emerging infectious diseases. The goal is to expedite research leading to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases caused by potential bioterrorism agents.
Contact Info
Samuel Perdue
E-mail: sp189u@nih.gov
Cooperative Centers for Translational Research on Human Immunology and Biodefense
Objective: Expansion of the FY2003 program to establish a network of Centers that will provide infrastructure and research support for clinical immunology studies focused on the host immune response to Category A – C pathogens. This program will facilitate the development of vaccines and immunotherapeutic interventions for biodefense against infectious agents and their toxins.
Contact Info
Gary Rathbun
E-mail: gary.rathbun@niaid.nih.gov
Innate Immune Receptors and Adjuvant Discovery
Objective: To expand opportunities to discover and characterize new adjuvant candidates based upon immunological principles to enhance the potency, longevity, and safety of specific vaccines for biodefense, and to enhance nonspecific immunity for immediate protection against acute infectious threats.
Contact Info
David Winter
E-mail: dwinter@niaid.nih.gov
Training and Career Development for Biodefense and Emerging Diseases
Objective: To ensure that an adequate cadre of well-trained and motivated investigators are available to pursue research and development objectives in biodefense and emerging diseases.
Contact Info
Susan Garges
E-mail: sgarges@niaid.nih.gov
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