Translational Research Program 

Background:

It is estimated that as many as 10 million people, if not more, are living with Primary Immunodeficiency worldwide. Over the past decade, identification and diagnosis of Primary Immunodeficiency has greatly expanded, and knowledge of causative genes continues to rapidly grow. Simultaneously, genomics technology is becoming more readily available and cost-effective. The time is crucial to support research that will bridge basic science discoveries to the development of clinical applications that will impact overall health outcomes. Advancing the understanding of the mechanisms of Primary Immunodeficiency diseases has the ability to provide essential knowledge of immune function. Harnessing the power of understanding the immune system represents one of the single greatest disease-fighting and life-saving strategies that biomedical science has to offer and will greatly benefit those with identified Primary Immunodeficiencies, and the millions that remain undiagnosed.

Purpose:

• To support innovative and novel investigations in Primary Immunodeficiency, focusing on translational research leading to meaningful clinical application.
• To advance the growing knowledge of genotype-phenotype correlations and gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of immune function and dysfunction.
• To support research that will lead to advancement in clinical recognition, diagnostic tools, and innovative therapies that will impact overall health outcomes and improve the quality of life of those affected by Primary Immunodeficiency.
• Grants with the following focus will be strongly considered for awards:
• Novel PI defects
• Innovativeness in early diagnosis
• Treatment advances to a cure
• Impact on patient health (i.e. how a patient will benefit)
• Reach of the proposed project (i.e. how many patients might benefit) 

Eligibility:

The Jeffrey Modell Foundation encourages all investigators with the appropriate knowledge and research skill level to apply to this program. Applications submitted by investigators with vast expertise in Primary Immunodeficiency, as well as young investigators with robust scientific merit will all be considered. All international and U.S. applicants are eligible. The Foundation especially encourages investigators who are not currently receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health to apply. 

Review Process:

All applications will be comprehensively reviewed and evaluated by the Jeffrey Modell Centers Network Peer Review Research Committee. The Committee will provide an impact score and percentile for individual applications based:

• Innovativeness
• Originality
• Feasibility
• Justification of requested budget
• Translational applicability
• Relevance to Primary Immunodeficiency

Award Information:

The number of awards will be dependent on the strength and merit of applications recieved and on the availability of funds. Individual awards may total up to $250,000 over a two-year project period.  Funds are not to exceed $125,000 per year for each project. Total funds will support only direct costs and cannot be used for institutional overhead.

Application Timeline:

To date, a total of ten grants have been awarded; two grants in cycle 1, three grants in cycle 2, two grants in cycle 3, two grants in cycle 4, and one grant in cycle 5. The sixth cycle will begin on October 16, 2017. Applications to be considered for the sixth cycle of awards must be submitted by February 16, 2018. Grants will be awarded by June 22, 2018.

Required Application Materials:

Note: Application materials must meet the requirements below. Any applications that exceed the page limits will not be considered.

• Letter of Intent
  Please provide a brief one-page summary outlining the goals and objectives of the research proposal.
• Application
  Please download and complete the application provided at this link.
• Research Proposal
  Please attach a detailed research proposal outlining the specific aims, background, purpose, and goals of the intended project. This proposal should be approximately 6 pages. Tables, figures, and graphs, etc. may also be included as supplemental documentation to support the 6-page proposal.
• Budget and Budget Justification
  A budget and detailed budget justification must be attached with the application. The budget justification should not exceed 2 pages.
• Curriculum Vitae/Biosketch
  Please attach your most current curriculum vitae or biosketch, highlighting experience as it relates to your proposed project. Please also list publications in order of relevance to the proposal. Please try to limit your CV or Biosketch to no more than 5 pages.

Application Submission and Inquiries:

The Jeffrey Modell Foundation encourages submission of the application and all required materials to research@jmfworld.org. Applicants who prefer to submit a paper-based application may send all materials to the following address or by fax:

Jeffrey Modell Foundation
780 Third Avenue
47th Floor
New York, NY 10017

Fax: 212-764-4180

All inquiries and logistical questions should be submitted to the Jeffrey Modell Foundation Program Officer at research@jmfworld.org.

Specific Defect Research Program

Background:

The goal of the Specific Defect Research Program is to support research to study the mechanisms and presentation of specific defects of the immune system, leading to a better understanding of the conditions and their impact on overall health outcomes. The Jeffrey Modell Foundation database includes high numbers of various genotypes around the world. This database can provide an excellent platform for collaboration. This can evolve into sharing patient samples and setting up international collaborative studies. Working together with the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, investigators will have access to this international database and be able to contact other sites in order to coordinate studies.

Award Information:

Currently, there are 16 Specific Defect Research Grants in progress. These include:

1. Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis Disease 
2. IPEX and IPEX-Like Syndromes
3. RAG1 and RAG2 Deficiency
4. X-Linked Hyper IgM Syndrome
5. ZAP-70 Deficiency
6. FOXP3/IPEX
7. CVID
8. Streptococcus Pneumonia
9. WES to identify next generation of Immunodeficiencies
10. X-Linked CGD
11. X-MEN
12. CARD9 Deficiency
13. Metabolic Reprogramming of Regulatory T Cells to Promote Tolerance
14. WGS to identify pathogenic gene mutations underlying PI
15. IL10 Receptor Deficiency
16. MHC Polymorphisms and CVID associated bacteremia

The Jeffrey Modell Foundation encourages novel investigations to expand upon this list of Specific Defect Research Grants.

Awards are granted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Each award amounts up to $50,000 over a two-year project period, with a maximum of $25,000 per year.

Required Application Materials:

• Application
  Please download and complete the application provided at this link.

• Research Proposal
  Please attach a detailed research proposal outlining the specific aims, background, purpose, and goals of the intended project. This proposal should be approximately 3-4 pages. Tables, figures, and graphs, etc. may also be included as supplemental documentation to support the proposal.

• Budget and Budget Justification
  A budget and detailed budget justification must be attached with the application. The budget justification should not exceed 2 pages.

• Curriculum Vitae/Biosketch
  Please attach your most current curriculum vitae or biosketch, highlighting experience as it relates to your proposed project. Please also list publications in order of relevance to the proposal.

Application Submission and Inquiries:

Applications for this program are currently accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, so you may apply at any time.  JMF encourages submission of the application and all required materials by email at research@jmfworld.org. Applicants who prefer to submit a paper-based application may send all materials to the following address or by fax:

Jeffrey Modell Foundation
780 Third Avenue
47th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Fax: 212-764-4180

All inquiries and logistical questions should be submitted to the Jeffrey Modell Foundation Program Officer at research@jmfworld.org.

C.H.I.L.D.R.E.N!®

Project Mission:

To alleviate disease, seek cures, and ultimately improve the quality of life of children affected with Primary Immunodeficiency throughout the world. The focus of this grant program is to investigate immunological disorders, control of infectious disease, and initiatives to decrease infant mortality. Additionally, the Jeffrey Modell Foundation encourages applicants to strongly consider addressing healthcare disparities, especially in developing countries, through education, testing, diagnosis, and treatment. 

Project Objectives:

1. To stimulate research by attracting innovative and public health–focused investigations of Primary Immunodeficiency research.
2. To support innovative investigations in Primary Immunodeficiency diseases and novel clinical strategies to detect Primary Immunodeficiency diseases, and to develop innovative new therapies.
3. To apply cellular, genomic, and molecular biological principles to Primary Immunodeficiency research; to create new platforms for diagnostics including genome and exome sequencing.
4. To focus on immunological disorders, control of infectious disease, and infant mortality, especially in developing countries; to seek and promote safe, effective, and appropriate vaccines.
5. To address healthcare disparities, especially in developing countries, through education, testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
6. To build upon the Jeffrey Modell Foundation’s existing platforms of critical technology including the TREC and KREC assays for Newborn Screening; to develop laboratory diagnostics or build partnerships with institutions that have existing laboratory diagnostics.
7. To maximize collaboration through integration with the Jeffrey Modell Centers Network and to replicate successful programs achieved at leading academic medical centers with application to global health; to build partnerships throughout the Network through fellowships, training, symposia, and other continuing medical education–focused initiatives.

Funding Availability:

Up to $25,000 per year, for up to 2 years, for each grant awarded through the C.H.I.L.D.R.E.N! project that is peer reviewed and approved.

Required Application Materials:

• Application
  Please download and complete the application provided at this link.

• Research Proposal
  Please attach a detailed research proposal outlining the specific aims, background, purpose, and goals of the intended project. This proposal should be approximately 3-4 pages. Tables, figures, and graphs, etc. may also be included as supplemental documentation to support the proposal.

• Budget and Budget Justification
  A budget and detailed budget justification must be attached with the application. The budget justification should not exceed 2 pages.

• Curriculum Vitae/Biosketch
  Please attach your most current curriculum vitae or biosketch, highlighting experience as it relates to your proposed project. Please also list publications in order of relevance to the proposal.

Application Submission and Inquiries:

Applications for this program are currently accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, so you may apply at any time.  JMF encourages submission of the application and all required materials by email at research@jmfworld.org. Applicants who prefer to submit a paper-based application may send all materials to the following address or by fax:

Jeffrey Modell Foundation
780 Third Avenue
47th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Fax: 212-764-4180

All inquiries and logistical questions should be submitted to the Jeffrey Modell Foundation Program Officer at research@jmfworld.org.