The purpose of the pilot project component of this U19 application is to provide a resource for fundingnew research opportunities that are considered high risk yet with a high potential for making new in-roadsinto the study of human immunology in the context of agents categorized as A-C by NIAID, NIH. Thescientific merit of these applications will be judged primarily as the potential of the projects to produce datawith the highest likelihood to result in RO1 funding. With these objectives in mind, we have selected a groupof senior scientists who have a record of judging grant applications, shown by their history of serving on NIHstudy sections, their ability to obtain NIH funding and their stature in the Immunology community to serve onthe administrative committee in charge of selection of the pilot grants. Each of the individuals who haveagreed to serve are established authorities in the field of Immunology with solid administration experienceand national recognition. They include Drs. Ansari, Jensen, Rich and Stephens. In addition, we are veryfortunate to have the preeminent national bio-defense laboratories of the CDC located within close proximityof Emory University, School of Medicine. More importantly, several of us, including the P.I. of this U19application, Dr. Rafi Ahmed, and Drs. Jensen, Ansari and Stephens have close working relationships withseveral of the components of the CDC, including the Special Pathogens Branch. The working relationshipsare exemplified by joint publications with CDC investigators. With the focus on biodefense for this RFA, wethus have selected 2 investigators (Drs. Damon/poxvirus work and Dr. Quinn/anthrax work) from the CDC tojoin us in the administration of this pilot project component. They will each contribute immensely from theirindividual levels of knowledge and expertise on issues related to biodefense to insure that the pilot projectschosen for funding have this relevant component appropriately included and addressed in the selectedresearch proposals. The proposal outlines the pilot projects administrative committee members, the scope ofthe pilot projects, eligibility and funding guidelines to be utilized, methods we will utilize to seek applicationsfor the pilot projects, the selection criteria we will utilize for funding the projects, milestones that we will useto monitor progress of the pilot projects, an outline for insuring quality of the pilot projects and finally,incentives that we believe are important to provide to individuals who are successful in obtaining RO1funding. Finally, as required, examples of 2 pilot projects that we would consider for funding under thiscomponent of the U19 application are provided. These include studies of the molecular basis for humanregulatory T-cell function (Dr. F. Sallusto) and mechanisms by which small pox virus influences immuneresponses (Dr. Silvestri).
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