A DNA vaccine to improve tuberculosis treatment in people with HIV/AIDS
Official title: Mechanisms of a therapeutic DNA vaccine targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis persisters
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10999465 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new DNA vaccine that aims to help people with HIV/AIDS fight off tuberculosis better by boosting their immune system, and it will look at how well this vaccine works when given through the nose or muscle.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 11, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,880 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AI174959-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999465 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV/AIDS who are also infected with tuberculosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have tuberculosis or are not living with HIV/AIDS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new therapeutic DNA vaccine designed to enhance the immune response against persistent Mycobacterium tuberculosis in individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The vaccine targets a specific protein, RelMtb, and is combined with a chemokine gene to improve its effectiveness. By administering the vaccine intranasally or intramuscularly, the study aims to determine how well it can boost immune responses and improve treatment outcomes for tuberculosis. The research will also explore the relationship between immune responses and treatment success in patients with HIV/AIDS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective tuberculosis treatments for patients with HIV/AIDS, potentially reducing treatment duration and improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using host-directed therapies for tuberculosis, but this specific approach with a DNA vaccine is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karanika, Styliani — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Karanika, Styliani
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.