Blocking a bacterial rescue system to kill dormant tuberculosis bacteria
Targeting trans-translation to kill M. tuberculosis non-replicating persister cells
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · NIH-11243531
Researchers are trying to develop medicines that block a bacterial rescue pathway so they can kill both active and dormant tuberculosis bacteria.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11243531 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a bacterial pathway called trans-translation that helps Mycobacterium tuberculosis survive stress. Scientists have discovered small molecules that block this pathway and will test whether blocking it kills both actively dividing and non-replicating ‘persister’ TB bacteria. The team will use lab-grown bacteria and animal infection models to see if these inhibitors clear infection and could shorten treatment. Results will guide whether this approach can move toward drug development for people with hard-to-treat TB.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active pulmonary tuberculosis, including drug-resistant TB, would be the eventual candidates for therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: People without tuberculosis or those already cured of TB would not directly benefit from this project, and the current work is preclinical rather than enrolling patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new antibiotics that kill persistent TB bacteria and shorten or improve treatment, especially for drug-resistant cases.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting trans-translation is a relatively new antibiotic strategy with recent small-molecule inhibitors identified, but it remains largely unproven in animal infection models and has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
AUSTIN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN — AUSTIN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KEILER, KENNETH C — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- Study coordinator: KEILER, KENNETH C
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.