Call for Proposals: T Cell Based Vaccines and Biologics in Infectious Diseases, Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases (India)

Deadline: 06-Oct-26

The Department of Biotechnology is inviting proposals for research and development of next-generation T-cell-based vaccines, biologics, and cellular therapies targeting infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. The call supports projects ranging from fundamental research and technology development to preclinical validation and early clinical development. The aim is to advance innovative T-cell-based interventions that can address major health challenges.

About the T-Cell Research and Development Call

T cells play an important role in protective immunity, disease pathogenesis, and immune homeostasis. They influence how the immune system responds to infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Recent advances in immunology and bioengineering have created opportunities to develop new vaccine platforms and antigen-specific therapies that harness T-cell responses for disease prevention and treatment. The call therefore supports both fundamental and translational research focused on developing next-generation T-cell-based interventions. What Research Is Supported? Proposals can address a broad range of research and development activities, including: - Discovery research. - Technology development. - Preclinical validation. - Early clinical validation. - Development of T-cell-based vaccines. - Development of T-cell-based biologics. - Development of cellular therapies. Projects can target infectious diseases, cancers, and autoimmune disorders included within the scope of the call. Target Infectious Diseases Research proposals may focus on T-cell-based approaches for infectious diseases such as: - Dengue. - Hepatitis B virus (HBV). - Cytomegalovirus (CMV). - Influenza. - Tuberculosis. Target Cancers The call also supports research targeting a range of cancers, including: - HPV-associated cancers. - Colorectal cancer. - Breast cancer. - Lung cancer. - Ovarian cancer. - Hematological malignancies. - Melanomas. Target Autoimmune Disorders Projects may also address autoimmune diseases such as: - Lupus. - Rheumatoid arthritis. - Multiple sclerosis. - Celiac disease. - Type I diabetes. - Psoriasis. Funding Categories Funding is available across three categories of proposals. Foundational Research and Capacity Building This category supports research that strengthens the fundamental understanding of T-cell biology and builds research capacity.

Potential areas include:

- Mapping HLA diversity. - Antigen discovery. - Immune monitoring platforms. - Foundational research supporting T-cell-based interventions. Applied Research and Technology Development This category supports the development and advancement of technologies that can translate T-cell research into potential interventions.

Examples include:

- Vaccine platforms. - Engineered cell therapies. - Immune-engaging biologics. - Enabling technologies. Early Clinical Development This category supports activities required to move promising T-cell-based interventions toward early clinical evaluation.

Potential activities include:

- GMP manufacturing. - Manufacturing scale-up. - Product characterization. - Early-phase clinical evaluation. How Much Funding Is Available? The maximum funding depends on the type of project and number of investigators involved.

Funding limits are:

- PI-driven projects: Up to INR 2.5 crores.

- Collaborative projects: Up to INR 10 crores, with at least two PIs.

- Network projects: Up to INR 15 crores, involving 3–5 PIs or institutes.

The funding is intended to support eligible research and development activities under the call. Project Duration Projects can be supported for up to three years. An extension of up to two additional years may be possible based on project progress. Applicants should therefore design their proposed research programme around the initial three-year support period while considering the requirements for any potential extension. Who Can Apply? The call is open to eligible Indian nationals holding regular positions in DSIR-recognized academic or scientific institutions.

Eligible institutions include:

- Central government institutions. - State government institutions. - Private universities. - Research institutions. - DSIR-recognized NGOs registered on the DARPAN Portal. Applicants must hold regular positions in an eligible institution.

Eligibility for Collaborative and Network Projects

The funding structure allows applicants to propose collaborative and network-based research. Collaborative projects can involve at least two PIs and may receive up to INR 10 crores. Network projects can involve 3–5 PIs or institutes and may receive up to INR 15 crores. These larger funding categories are intended for research programmes requiring collaboration among multiple investigators or institutions. Proposal Submission Proposals must be submitted through the Department of Biotechnology’s e-ProMIS portal. Applicants should ensure that their proposals comply with the applicable submission requirements and are submitted through the designated online system. One-Proposal Requirement for PIs Each Principal Investigator (PI) may participate in only one proposal under this call. Researchers considering collaborative or network proposals should therefore coordinate their participation carefully before submission. Why This Research Call Matters T-cell-based approaches offer opportunities to develop targeted interventions for diseases where conventional prevention or treatment approaches may have limitations. By supporting foundational research, technology development, preclinical validation, manufacturing, and early clinical evaluation, the call seeks to help move promising T-cell-based technologies toward practical health applications. Key Facts About the T-Cell Research and Development Call

- Funder: Department of Biotechnology

- Country: India

- Focus: Next-generation T-cell-based vaccines, biologics and cellular therapies

- Target areas: Infectious diseases, cancer and autoimmune disor