HIV Proteins and Their Cellular Binding Partners (R21/R33)

-The aim of this initiative is to promote collaborations between biochemists and structural biologists to define the interactions of HIV proteins with their host-cell partners towards determining the three dimensional structure of these complexes. The goal is to gain an in-depth understanding of HIV protein-containing complexes throughout the virus life cycle. A better understanding of these interactions will lead to new avenues for therapeutic interventions in HIV disease. -Mechanism of Support. Awards will support milestone-driven exploratory/feasibility proof of concept studies (2 year R21 phase), with possible rapid transition to expanded development (3 year R33 phase). -Funds Available. Funding will be based on scientific and technical merit, program priorities, and availability of funds. The R21 award will be limited to $275,000 direct costs over the two year award period, and the R33 award will be limited to $250,000 in direct costs per annum. NIH anticipates that a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the funded R21 phase awards will progress to the R33 award. -Eligible organizations. For-profit and non-profit organizations, foreign and domestic public or private institutions such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and faith-based or community-based organizations, Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); and Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organizations. units of state and local government, and eligible agencies of the federal government, are eligible to apply for funding under this announcement. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. -Eligible Project Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs): Any individuals from the applicant institutions who have the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. -Application and Submission Information, and Specific Instructions for Preparing Combined R21/R33 Application. The R21/R33 Phased Innovation Award application must be submitted as a single application, and applicants should note specific instructions for each phase. -Applicants may submit more than one application, provided each application is scientifically distinct. -All investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental grant applications described in this announcement will be assigned to Institutes and Centers (ICs) according to standard Public Health Service (PHS) referral guidelines and specific program interests.