Memory T Lymphocytes in Cancer Immunology (R21) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NIH PA-06-349 - Memory T Lymphocytes in Cancer Immunology (R21)

What is the focus of NIH funding opportunity PA-06-349?

PA-06-349 supports exploratory and developmental basic research aimed at improving anti-tumor immunity by focusing on memory T lymphocytes and the cellular and molecular partners that shape their behavior. The scientific emphasis is on how memory T cells form, persist over time, and become re-activated in the context of cancer.

Why are memory T lymphocytes central to this FOA?

The FOA highlights memory T cells because their formation, long-term maintenance, and ability to mount effective recall responses are key to durable immune control of tumors and to the long-term effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies and therapeutic or preventive cancer vaccines.

What types of research questions are encouraged under this opportunity?

Projects may investigate memory T cell differentiation pathways, the signals and environments that maintain memory populations, and the mechanisms that enable or block effective recall responses against tumor antigens.

Is this opportunity limited to a specific experimental system or approach?

No. The FOA explicitly allows a wide range of experimental approaches, including studies in humans and animal models, as well as both in vitro and in vivo work.

Does the FOA encourage technology development or tool building?

Yes. Innovation is encouraged, including applying existing technologies and reagents in creative ways or developing entirely new tools, assays, model systems, or reagents that enable memory T cell research in tumor immunology.

What is the intended outcome or impact of projects funded through this R21 FOA?

The expectation is that early-stage, high-impact insights and enabling methods developed through these R21 projects will ultimately feed into stronger, more durable immunotherapeutic strategies.

What grant mechanism does PA-06-349 use?

This FOA uses the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21) mechanism, which is designed for novel, higher-risk concepts and early proof-of-principle work rather than large, fully matured research programs.

Is there a companion NIH announcement for larger or more extensive projects?

Yes. A companion announcement with the same scientific scope uses the R01 mechanism (PA-06-350). This gives investigators a route to pursue either smaller, exploratory projects (R21) or more extensive, hypothesis-driven programs (R01), depending on readiness and scope.

What is the maximum project period for awards under this R21 opportunity?

The maximum project period is two years.

What are the budget limits (direct costs) for PA-06-349?

Direct costs are capped at $275,000 total across the two-year period, with an additional constraint of no more than $200,000 in direct costs in any single year.

Are the number of awards and total funding amounts predetermined?

No. The number of awards and final funding levels are not fixed in advance. They depend on the availability of funds, the volume of applications received, and the scientific merit, duration, and budget needs of the most competitive proposals.

Who is eligible to apply under this FOA?

Eligibility is broad and includes domestic and foreign institutions. Eligible applicant organizations include for-profit and non-profit entities and public and private institutions such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of state and local government, and eligible federal institutions.

Does the FOA allow applications from tribal and other specialized government entities?

Yes. The FOA lists a wide range of organizational types that can apply, including certain tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, special district governments, and independent school districts.

Can nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status apply?

Yes. The FOA includes nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status among eligible applicant organization types.

Who can serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) on an application?

Any individual with the expertise and resources to lead the project may apply through an eligible organization.

Does NIH encourage applications from underrepresented groups or individuals with disabilities?

Yes. The FOA explicitly reiterates NIH's standard encouragement for participation by individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and individuals with disabilities.

Can the same applicant submit more than one application to this FOA?

Yes. Multiple applications from the same applicant are allowed as long as each submission is scientifically distinct.

What kind of grant is this categorized as from an administrative standpoint?

Administratively, this opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant within the health and education activity space.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

This FOA is associated with CFDA 93.396 (Cancer Biology Research).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching.

Is there a single application deadline?

No. The announcement uses multiple receipt dates rather than a single deadline. Applicants are directed to the full announcement for the specific submission schedule and detailed instructions.

When was this FOA originally posted and when was it archived?

The announcement was originally posted on April 13, 2006, and the archived date listed is June 1, 2009.

Where were the full details and instructions provided?

The full details were provided through the NIH Grants Guide link associated with PA-06-349, and applicants were directed to consult the full announcement for the submission schedule and detailed instructions.