Novel Imaging Approaches for detection of Persistent HIV and Neuroimmune dysfunction associated with HIV In the Central Nervous System (CNS) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA MH 20 330

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA MH 20 330

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Novel Imaging Approaches for detection of Persistent HIV and Neuroimmune dysfunction associated with HIV in the Central Nervous System (CNS) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" (Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-MH-20-330) supports research aimed at understanding and visualizing what HIV is doing in the brain and spinal cord, even in people whose virus is otherwise well controlled on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The core focus is on two linked problems: first, clarifying the mechanisms behind HIV-1 related neuroimmune dysfunction in the CNS, and second, developing or applying innovative imaging and neuroimaging methods that can detect persistent, latent, or reactivated HIV in the CNS of ART-suppressed individuals. In practical terms, the FOA is looking for studies that move beyond standard clinical markers and use imaging-driven strategies to reveal hidden viral reservoirs and the immune and inflammatory changes that may continue despite successful systemic viral suppression.

This announcement uses the R01 grant mechanism and is marked as "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applicants may propose clinical trials if they are justified by the science, but clinical trials are not required. The scope includes basic and preclinical research, and the NIH explicitly notes interest in work conducted in both domestic and international settings. The emphasis on "novel imaging/neuroimaging approaches" signals that proposals should bring in advanced tools or new applications of existing tools, such as molecular imaging, PET ligands targeting immune activation pathways, MRI-based approaches that quantify neuroinflammation or microstructural damage, multimodal imaging pipelines, or other CNS-focused imaging strategies capable of tracking viral persistence and immune dysfunction. The scientific intent is not only to produce better pictures, but to use imaging to answer mechanistic questions about how HIV affects neuroimmune function, where persistent virus may reside or reactivate, and how those processes relate to measurable CNS changes.

The FOA also points applicants toward a companion R21 announcement (RFA-MH-20-331) for projects that are fully conceptualized and hypothesis-driven with a solid premise and adequate preliminary data, suggesting a two-lane approach where some projects may be better positioned as exploratory/developmental (R21) while others fit the more substantial R01 structure. This indicates NIH interest in both innovation and rigor: applicants are expected to present clearly articulated hypotheses and imaging strategies capable of producing interpretable, mechanistically meaningful results, especially when dealing with difficult-to-measure phenomena like latent or low-level viral persistence in the CNS.

Collaborative science is encouraged, though not required, and the announcement explicitly welcomes multidisciplinary teams. This matters because the topic sits at the intersection of HIV virology, neuroimmunology, imaging physics/engineering, computational analysis, neurology, and sometimes neuropathology. Competitive proposals would typically integrate expertise across these areas to connect imaging signals with biological mechanisms and, where possible, validate imaging readouts against virologic or immunologic measures. The stated goal is to deepen understanding of HIV-associated neuroimmune dysfunction and create or refine imaging approaches that can reliably detect and characterize persistent HIV within the CNS in the ART era.

Eligibility is broad and includes many common applicant types (state, county, and local governments; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses). It also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants and settings, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), tribal governments (including those other than federally recognized in the additional list), U.S. territories or possessions, faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, and non-U.S. entities/foreign organizations and regional organizations. That broad eligibility, combined with the invitation for international research, signals a deliberate effort to draw in diverse institutions and to support research that reflects the global nature of HIV.

Administratively, the opportunity is categorized as a discretionary NIH grant in the health funding activity area and is associated with CFDA numbers 93.242 and 93.853. The FOA was created on 2019-12-16, and the original closing date listed is 2020-03-11. The summary information provided does not specify an award ceiling or the number of expected awards, so prospective applicants would normally confirm budget expectations and paylines in the full FOA and related NIH institute guidance. Overall, this R01 opportunity is designed to push the field toward imaging-capable, mechanism-focused studies that can reveal persistent HIV and ongoing neuroimmune injury in the CNS despite ART, with the longer-term implication of improving how researchers detect, monitor, and eventually target these CNS-related HIV complications.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Novel Imaging Approaches for detection of Persistent HIV and Neuroimmune dysfunction associated with HIV In the Central Nervous System (CNS) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242, 93.853.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2019-12-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-03-11. (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.

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