Novel RNAs in Virology (including HIV) and Immune Regulation: Basic Science and Therapeutic Discovery (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PA 19 237

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 19 237

This grant opportunity, titled "Novel RNAs in Virology (including HIV) and Immune Regulation: Basic Science and Therapeutic Discovery (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" (Funding Opportunity Number PA-19-237), is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary research grant aimed at advancing early-stage, high-impact work on RNA biology as it relates to viral infection and immune function. The central focus is on novel, biologically active RNAs that come either from viruses or from the host, and how these RNAs shape virology (explicitly including HIV biology) and immune regulation. The FOA is designed to cover a wide range of research maturity, from early exploratory studies that establish new concepts and tools to projects that move toward therapeutic discovery and development, as long as the work remains within the bounds of non-clinical-trial research.

The scientific scope emphasizes understanding and leveraging RNA molecules that play functional roles during infection and immune responses. In practical terms, this can include discovering previously unrecognized viral RNAs or host RNAs, defining what they do in cells and organisms, mapping how they interact with proteins or other nucleic acids, and clarifying how they influence viral replication, latency, immune evasion, inflammation, or antiviral defense. The opportunity also supports work that begins translating those basic insights toward therapeutic directions, such as identifying RNA-based targets, developing strategies to modulate RNA function, or building early-stage RNA-focused interventions or platforms. Even when therapeutic discovery is part of the plan, the FOA makes clear that proposed studies cannot be framed as clinical trials.

The mechanism is an R21, which typically supports exploratory or developmental research rather than large, fully mature programs. The source data lists an award ceiling of $200,000, indicating the maximum funding level expected per award under this announcement. The funding activity category is Health (CFDA 93.855), and the funding instrument is a Grant. While the listing does not specify the exact number of expected awards, it signals that the program is meant to seed innovative projects that can open new directions in RNA-centric virology and immunology.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based and non-U.S. applicants. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; and Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized. Both nonprofit organizations (including those with and without 501(c)(3) status) and for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) are eligible, as are small businesses and other organizations. The FOA explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories as well, including 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 government agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic entities (foreign organizations). This broad eligibility suggests NIH is encouraging diverse institutional participation and international collaboration where appropriate.

Administratively, the opportunity was created on 2019-04-03, and the original closing date listed is 2022-05-07. The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health. Overall, the FOA is best understood as a targeted NIH R21 program for researchers who want to uncover and characterize new functional RNAs at the intersection of viral infection (including HIV) and immune regulation, and who may also want to take early steps toward RNA-informed therapeutic discovery, without conducting clinical trial activities under this award.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Novel RNAs in Virology (including HIV) and Immune Regulation: Basic Science and Therapeutic Discovery (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.855.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2019-04-03.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-05-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• 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 19 237

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