Cholesterol breakdown products that show and shape tuberculosis infection
Defining host-pathogen oxysterol co-metabolites and their role in TB pathogenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11258003
Researchers are looking at cholesterol byproducts in people with active tuberculosis to see if they can help detect infection and explain lung damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11258003 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on oxysterols, which are cholesterol-derived molecules that build up where TB bacteria grow in the lung. Scientists will measure these molecules in sputum and lung tissue from people and animal models and study the bacterial enzymes that produce them. They will compare levels in people with active TB versus those with TB-like symptoms to see if the molecules track disease and contagiousness. Lab experiments and animal work will help determine whether these oxysterols influence the immune response or tissue damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with suspected or confirmed active pulmonary tuberculosis who can provide sputum samples.
Not a fit: People with latent TB, most forms of extrapulmonary TB, or those unable to produce sputum are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new sputum-based marker to help detect active TB and clarify how TB causes lung damage.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data, including measurements from two distinct patient groups, show these oxysterols can distinguish active TB from TB-negative cases, but clinical validation is still needed.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PHILIPS, JENNIFER A — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PHILIPS, JENNIFER A
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.