Human Immunology Initiative: Research Teams (LOI)
Well-being, Health and Biomedical Discovery
Deadlines
Academic Unit: Inquire with Unit
Memorial Deadline: Thursday 11th, October 2018
External Deadline: Tuesday 16th, October 2018
Description
Deficiencies in the immune system, either genetic or acquired, are key contributors to most chronic conditions and diseases. Our understanding of the immune system and of new preventive and therapeutic approaches is due, in large part, to the use of animal models (mostly mice). However, the animal and human immune systems are often very different. For this reason, the translation of immunology research from animals to humans is often challenging and focused studies on the human immune system are required.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system reacts to self-antigens. Several autoimmune diseases have been identified in which one or several organs can be targeted. Sex differences exist in the incidence, progression and severity of many autoimmune diseases. A better understanding of sex-related mechanisms — and of human immune system function and dysfunction more generally — are necessary for advancing the translation of basic science discoveries into improved management of human autoimmune diseases.
The Human Immunology Initiative involves the development of standardized procedures and their application to research on autoimmune diseases. The overall goal of this initiative is to create a coordinated workforce in human immunology research and build capacity to develop standardized methods to test novel therapeutic approaches in human immunology research. It is divided into two distinct funding opportunities: 1) The Standardization Core (launched 2017 [201803HUI]); and 2) Human Immunology Research Teams.
Visit CIHR’s website for additional program details.