Creating 3D models of human tuberculosis lesions to study infections
Official title: 3D biomimetic human tuberculosis granulomas to identify novel host-pathogen interactions
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10992686 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating special 3D models of the lumps that form in the lungs during tuberculosis to help us understand how our immune system fights the bacteria, which could lead to better treatments for the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,819 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176234-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992686 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis or those who have been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have tuberculosis or are not at risk of exposure to the bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced 3D models of human tuberculosis granulomas, which are complex structures formed in the lungs during infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. By using human blood cells, the researchers aim to mimic the natural environment of these granulomas to better understand how the immune system interacts with the bacteria. The study will investigate the signals that control the behavior of immune cells within these models, which could reveal why some granulomas progress to disease while others do not. This innovative approach may provide insights that traditional models cannot offer, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of tuberculosis, potentially reducing disease severity and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using 3D biomimetic models is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of infectious disease research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kutys, Matthew L — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kutys, Matthew L
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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.