NIH Highlights Autoimmune Research Priority
On February 12, 2026, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) identified autoimmune disease research as a current “Highlighted Topic,” signaling strong interest in new grant applications in this area.
This is not a new funding program, but rather a notice that the NIH is encouraging researchers to submit proposals that advance understanding of autoimmune diseases.
What Is the NIH Looking For?
The NIH is particularly interested in research that:
- Examines how genetics, environmental exposures, and immune system changes work together to trigger autoimmune disease
- Identifies early warning signs or biomarkers that could improve diagnosis
- Develops better tools for monitoring disease, including imaging, wearable devices, and point-of-care tests
- Studies autoimmune disease across the lifespan, including sex differences and aging
- Explores shared biological mechanisms across different autoimmune conditions
The goal is to improve early detection, prediction, and treatment strategies.
Autoimmune diseases are complex and often develop gradually. By encouraging research that integrates genetic risk, environmental exposures, and immune profiling, the NIH is emphasizing a more comprehensive approach to understanding disease development.
Multiple NIH Institutes and Centers are participating, including those focused on allergy and infectious disease, arthritis and skin disease, aging, women’s health, genomics, environmental health, and biomedical engineering.
Citation
National Institutes of Health. (2026, February 12). Advancing autoimmune disease research: Integrating genetic, environmental, and immunological factors to improve diagnosis and treatment. NIH Grants & Funding. https://grants.nih.gov/funding/find-a-fit-for-your-research/highlighted-topics/43