Antibody tests to prevent and detect TB in children exposed to HIV
Leveraging antibody-omics to prevent and detect TB in children affected by HIV
Researchers will look for antibody patterns in blood from infants and children with or exposed to HIV to help spot and prevent tuberculosis earlier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11333851 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will analyze stored blood samples from children in Kenya, South Africa, India, and multi-center IMPAACT cohorts to look for antibody patterns tied to TB risk. If your child was part of those cohorts, researchers would compare antibody features like early IgM responses and antibody Fc glycan profiles between children who developed TB, those infected without disease, and healthy controls. The team will use a high-throughput antibody-Fc assay and linked clinical data to search for biomarkers of protection and of active disease. The hope is that these findings could lead to new blood tests or prevention strategies for children affected by HIV in TB-endemic areas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants and young children in TB-endemic regions, especially those with HIV infection or maternal HIV exposure, typically enrolled in cohort studies in Kenya, South Africa, India, or IMPAACT sites.
Not a fit: Adults, children without TB exposure in low-prevalence areas, or people not represented in the archived cohorts are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to blood tests that identify children at higher or lower risk for TB and guide earlier prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has begun to show that specific antibody features can distinguish TB infection and disease in adults and children, but this antibody-omics approach remains relatively new and exploratory for pediatric HIV-affected populations.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cranmer, Lisa M — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Cranmer, Lisa M
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 below.