Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy
NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
About This Grant
Abstract: Chronic inflammation and fibrosis are hallmark pathologies of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), yet current therapies focus on restoring dystrophin in muscle cells and largely overlook the pathological microenvironment. This niche—sustained by pro-inflammatory macrophages and fibrogenic fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs)—impairs regeneration and reduces therapeutic efficacy. Existing gene therapies perform poorly in fibrotic muscle and require high doses that have caused toxicity and patient deaths. To address this critical therapeutic gap, we propose a first-in-class chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy for DMD that dually targets both inflammatory macrophages and fibrogenic FAPs to reprogram the dystrophic niche. While CAR-T therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, they have not been applied to DMD or regenerative medicine. Supported by preliminary data, our goal is to develop a CAR-T cell therapy that can eliminate pro-inflammatory macrophages and fibrogenic FAPs, restore muscle stem cell (MuSC) regenerative potential, and improve both limb and diaphragm function in pre-clinical murine models of DMD. Specifically, we will: (Aim 1) Evaluate the effect of CAR-T therapy on inflammation and fibrosis; (Aim 2) Assess its impact on muscle regeneration and function. This paradigm-shifting approach addresses a major unmet need by targeting the inflamed-fibrotic niche and may enhance the effectiveness of current gene and cell therapies. If successful, it will establish a new therapeutic framework for DMD and other muscle diseases marked by chronic inflammation and fibrosis.
Grant Summary
Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy is a NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases grant providing up to $378K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-05-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $378K
2028-05-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy from NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases before the deadline.
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Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy?
Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy is offered by NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy provide?
Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy provides up to $378K per award from NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy deadline?
Applications for Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy are due 2028-05-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy?
To apply for Dual Targeting of Inflammation and Fibrosis in DMD with CAR-T Therapy, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.