Genetic factors shaping TB immunity in Africa
Official title: Integrating genomic architecture and tuberculosis (TB) immunity in Africa
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11417273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how a person’s genes influence TB immunity, focusing on diverse African populations to understand why some people stay healthy while others develop active TB.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 17, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $788,499 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI187511-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11417273 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults in South Africa with diverse ancestries who are or have been exposed to TB and are willing to provide genetic samples and participate in related immune assays.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not meeting the ancestry/diversity criteria or who decline genetic sampling may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will collect genetic data from about 5,000 people in South Africa to study HLA, KIR genes, and other variants that affect immune responses to TB. They will use DNA arrays and sequencing, plus lab tests to see how these genetic factors influence the behavior of immune cells against TB. The goal is to uncover genetic patterns that explain susceptibility to active TB and to identify targets for better prevention and treatment in multi-ethnic populations. This work could inform more effective vaccines or therapies tailored to diverse communities in Africa and beyond.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to targeted strategies to prevent active TB and improve treatments for high-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked host genetics to TB outcomes, but this project adds multi-ancestry context and functional tests to strengthen translational impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norman, Paul John — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Norman, Paul 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.