Fc Receptor (FcR) and Antibody Effector Function in HIV Vaccine Discovery (R01) | PA 17 113

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 17 113

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Fc Receptor (FcR) and Antibody Effector Function in HIV Vaccine Discovery (R01)" (Funding Opportunity Number PA 17 113) supports research aimed at clarifying how antibodies generated by HIV vaccines actually help prevent infection, with a specific emphasis on antibody functions that depend on Fc receptor (FcR) interactions. Rather than focusing only on classic neutralizing activity, this announcement prioritizes studies that examine how vaccine-elicited antibodies may block viral acquisition through FcR-mediated effector mechanisms, and how different patterns of FcR engagement correlate with protection in the context of vaccine-induced immune responses. The bigger goal is to generate actionable knowledge that can be used to refine, prioritize, and advance HIV vaccine candidates that show protective promise by leveraging these antibody effector pathways.

A central theme of the FOA is that antibodies can contribute to protection in ways that extend beyond directly neutralizing virus. The Fc portion of an antibody can interact with Fc receptors expressed on immune cells (such as natural killer cells, macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, and neutrophils), triggering downstream functions that may help control or eliminate virus at very early stages of exposure. Through this R01 program, NIH is encouraging investigator-driven, collaborative projects that probe the mechanisms by which these Fc-dependent activities work in vivo and in relevant experimental systems, and that map the functional "profiles" of FcR engagement associated with protective vaccination. In practice, this could involve identifying which Fc-mediated functions are most strongly linked to reduced acquisition risk, defining which antibody features (isotype/subclass, Fc glycosylation patterns, epitope specificity, and affinity) drive beneficial FcR interactions, and determining how vaccine regimens shape these functional antibody qualities.

The announcement also emphasizes translating immunologic insights into better vaccine development decisions. By establishing which FcR engagement signatures or antibody effector function patterns are associated with protection, researchers can provide benchmarks and evaluation tools for next-generation vaccine candidates. That includes informing immunogen design, adjuvant selection, dosing strategies, and regimen comparisons based on whether they reliably induce the kinds of Fc-dependent responses seen in protective settings. Overall, the FOA is structured to move the field toward a clearer, evidence-based understanding of what antibody effector functions matter most for HIV vaccine efficacy and how to intentionally elicit them.

This opportunity uses the NIH R01 grant mechanism, meaning it is designed for well-developed research projects led by investigators and supported at a scale appropriate for substantial, multi-year studies. The program falls under the NIH health research funding category, with CFDA numbers 93.855 and 93.856. The opportunity is listed as discretionary funding, and while the provided source data does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, the R01 format typically supports projects with a defined set of aims, rigorous methods, and a strong justification for significance and innovation in the HIV vaccine space.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of domestic U.S. organizations and certain international entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (outside of higher education institutions); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This breadth signals NIH interest in drawing on diverse institutional strengths, including community-based expertise and international capacity where relevant to HIV vaccine research.

Key administrative details in the source data indicate that the opportunity was created on 2017-01-09 and lists an original closing date of 2020-01-07. The funding opportunity title and description focus tightly on Fc receptor biology and antibody effector function as they relate to HIV vaccine discovery, with the intent of catalyzing collaborative, mechanistic research that can directly inform vaccine candidate selection and optimization.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Fc Receptor (FcR) and Antibody Effector Function in HIV Vaccine Discovery (R01)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.855, 93.856.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-01-09.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-01-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PA 17 113

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: