Discovering immune responses to tuberculosis in high disease burden populations
Official title: MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS PROTEOME-WIDE EPITOPE DISCOVERY AND HOST TRANSCRIPTOME-WIDE T CELL PHENOTYPING IN HIGH DISEASE BURDEN POPULATIONS
Funded at Translational Genomics Research Inst · NIH-11201171 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our immune system responds to tuberculosis by exploring specific parts of the immune cells in people from areas where the disease is common, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, to find out what might help protect against it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Translational Genomics Research Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,504,937 |
| NIH project number | 75N93024C00054-0-9999-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11201171 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from sub-Saharan African populations who are at high risk for tuberculosis or have been diagnosed with the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have tuberculosis or are not from the targeted high disease burden populations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis by identifying thousands of CD4 T cell epitopes and their interactions with specific HLA proteins in populations heavily affected by tuberculosis, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Using advanced DNA-barcoded antigen assays, the study aims to uncover how these immune responses vary among individuals with different disease states. By analyzing the host's transcriptome alongside the pathogen's genome, the research seeks to pinpoint T cell characteristics that may offer protection against tuberculosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of tuberculosis immunity and the development of more effective vaccines or therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying immune responses to tuberculosis, but this approach is novel in its comprehensive epitope discovery and focus on underrepresented populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Translational Genomics Research Inst
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Altin, John — Translational Genomics Research Inst
- Study coordinator: Altin, John
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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.