Interplay Between Chronic Inflammation and Clonal Hematopoiesis (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health (NIH), is preparing to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for research focused on the intersection of chronic inflammation and clonal hematopoiesis, with particular emphasis on clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). This effort stems from a growing understanding of how persistent inflammation—arising from chronic conditions such as HIV, cardiovascular disease, aging, and other systemic health issues—can contribute to the initiation and progression of CHIP. The broader objective of the initiative is to expand scientific knowledge around the mechanisms through which chronic conditions influence hematopoietic stem cell mutations and their downstream effects, especially in relation to heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders. The planned funding opportunity will support R01 research projects that do not involve clinical trials. NHLBI’s focus in this NOFO includes encouraging investigations into the molecular and cellular pathways by which chronic inflammation and other persistent health stressors influence the development of CHIP in both people living with HIV (PLWH) and in individuals with other chronic inflammatory or age-related diseases. Applications will be expected to propose studies that deepen understanding of the epidemiological patterns of CHIP prevalence across different populations and geographies, as well as investigations into the impact of CHIP on HLBS outcomes in vulnerable and aging populations. In addition to mechanistic and epidemiological studies, this initiative seeks to foster research that will lead to actionable outcomes, such as the development of diagnostics or therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating the negative health impacts of CHIP. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific merit and relevance to the outlined goals, including their potential to inform prevention, treatment, or cures for HLBS conditions associated with CHIP. While clinical trials are not permitted under this announcement, the use of preclinical models, computational methods, and human biospecimen analyses are expected research modalities. The solicitation will be open to a wide variety of applicants, including state and local governments, federally recognized and other tribal entities, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, small businesses, and other qualified U.S. and foreign institutions. Faith-based and community-based organizations, as well as regional and international institutions, are also eligible to apply. This inclusive eligibility framework is intended to promote diverse and collaborative research teams capable of addressing global and systemic health questions. The NOFO is forecasted to be released on April 1, 2026, with an estimated application due date of June 1, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by October 1, 2026, and funded projects are scheduled to begin on or after January 1, 2027. At this time, the program is in an early engagement phase, allowing prospective applicants ample time to build research collaborations, plan study protocols, and align their proposals with NHLBI’s strategic priorities in HLBS research. Applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov and NIH funding announcements for updates as the publication date approaches. Contact for this funding forecast is managed through the Division of Blood Diseases and Resources at NIH, and inquiries can be made via email. No PDF guidelines or formal application packages are currently available, as this is a forecast notice designed to initiate early-stage awareness and planning. The notice underscores NHLBI’s commitment to proactive communication with the research community and to fostering innovative science in the service of public health.