Neuropathological Interactions Between COVID-19 and ADRD (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking R01 applications that propose studies in animal, cell culture, and/or human tissue models to elucidate the mechanisms by which COVID-19 interacts with and/or modulates Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD)-relevant phenotypes. The goal is to support studies that are disease mechanistic in nature and must incorporate ADRD outcomes, risk factors, pathologies, or relevant comorbidities.

Grant Details
The initiative aims to solicit applications that propose studies in animal, cell culture, and/or human tissue models to elucidate the mechanisms by which COVID-19 interacts with and/or modulates ADRD-relevant mechanisms and outcomes. The proposals should focus on mechanistic studies addressing how COVID-19 impacts CNS pathology and cognitive decline when ADRD pathology is already present, how COVID-19 accelerates ADRD pathology in a prodromal model, how COVID-19 predisposes for ADRD and/or interacts with relevant comorbid conditions and ADRD risk factors, and how pre-existing ADRD enhances the risk of more severe post-COVID-19 neurological outcomes. The proposed studies should address specific mechanisms of interest such as direct or indirect effects of COVID-19 on brain microvascular endothelial cell viability and barrier function, potential mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 interactions at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), mechanisms of COVID-19-associated peripheral to CNS crosstalk resulting in neurological sequelae, among others.

Eligibility Requirements
All organizations administering an eligible parent award may apply for a supplement under this NOFO. Eligible organizations include higher education institutions, nonprofits other than institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), independent school districts, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (organizations), foreign organizations including non-domestic components of U.S. Organizations.

Period of Performance
The project period is determined by the scope of the proposed project with a maximum period of five years.

Grant Value
NIH intends to commit up to $3,750,000 in FY 2025 to fund up to five awards. Application budgets are limited to $500,000 in direct costs/year.