How antibodies interact with tuberculosis bacteria
Defining the antibody interface between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and host immunity
This project looks at how different antibodies in people with TB recognize the bacteria and help immune cells control infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11188972 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare antibodies from people with active TB, latent TB, and those without infection to see how the antibody parts that bind bacteria (Fab) and the parts that recruit immune cells (Fc) differ. They will examine antibody binding to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens and test how these antibodies influence bacterial control in laboratory human immune cell models. The team will analyze antibody subclasses and Fc glycosylation patterns and how those features change interactions with receptors on immune cells. Results will help explain why some people contain infection while others develop active disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with active TB, people with latent TB infection, and healthy volunteers able to give blood samples.
Not a fit: People hoping for immediate treatment effects are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory research to improve future diagnostics and therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new biomarkers, vaccine targets, or antibody-based approaches to prevent or treat TB.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown antibody differences linked to latent versus active TB, but translating these findings into clinical tests or treatments is still early and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Lenette — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lu, Lenette
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.