Molecular Mechanisms of Combination Adjuvants (MMCA) (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is offering funding under the Molecular Mechanisms of Combination Adjuvants (MMCA) program. This program aims to support research to better understand the mechanisms through which vaccine adjuvants, when combined, work in concert to modulate the immune response. The ultimate goal is to advance the rational design of vaccines that elicit specific immune profiles tailored to different diseases and populations. This reissue of the R01 Research Project Grant provides funding specifically for non-clinical research. The program encourages studies to explore the mechanisms of action of combination adjuvants that have demonstrated individual efficacy. A significant focus is placed on translational research involving animal and complex model systems, such as microbial-experienced or humanized mice. Areas of interest include immunological memory, tissue-specific immunity, signaling pathways, innate immune responses, and computational modeling to validate findings. However, applications focusing solely on individual adjuvants, technology development, or clinical trials will not be considered. Applicants from higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit entities, local and tribal governments, and international organizations are eligible. Special emphasis is placed on diversity, encouraging applications from historically underrepresented groups and institutions, including minority-serving colleges and universities. Applicants may submit multiple proposals as long as they are scientifically distinct. A total budget of $2.56 million for FY 2026 is expected to fund 4–6 awards, with a maximum project period of five years and direct costs of under $500,000 annually. Proposals must include a logical rationale for adjuvant combinations, model antigen systems, and immunization routes. A timeline with interim goals and a data management and sharing plan are required. Applications should also reserve $50,000 annually for collaborative projects among MMCA investigators starting in Year 2. Investigators must attend annual meetings and site visits organized by NIAID to share findings and foster collaboration. The application process involves several registrations, including SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Submissions are due by June 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM local time, and applicants are advised to submit early to allow for error corrections. Peer review will evaluate significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, investigator expertise, and resources, with additional considerations for human or vertebrate animal studies. Projects must comply with NIH guidelines on data sharing, cybersecurity, and federal nondiscrimination laws. Successful applicants will be notified via a Notice of Award and will adhere to NIH’s Grants Policy Statement. For assistance, applicants can contact NIH’s scientific, peer review, or financial staff as listed in the funding announcement. This funding opportunity represents a vital initiative to innovate vaccine development through mechanistic insights into combination adjuvants.