How differences in TB bacteria and people’s immune responses drive latent, persistent, and active TB
Bacterial and Host Heterogeneity in TB latency, persistence and progression
This program looks at how variation in TB bacteria and patients' immune and metabolic responses leads some infections to stay quiet while others become active disease, to help people with or at risk for TB.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144589 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The program combines studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis genetics and behavior with measurements of human immune and metabolic responses to understand why TB outcomes vary. Researchers use bacterial sequencing, host transcriptional and metabolic profiling, laboratory models, and analysis of patient-derived samples. They aim to link bacterial and host differences to outcomes such as treatment tolerance, drug resistance, relapse, and lung damage. Findings will inform who may be at higher risk of progression and which biological pathways could be targeted to improve care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with active TB, people with latent TB infection, and patients undergoing TB treatment or who have had prior TB and are at risk of relapse.
Not a fit: People without TB, those with unrelated lung conditions, or those seeking immediate clinical benefit should not expect direct personal medical benefit from this research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors predict which patients are likely to progress or relapse and point to better, more personalized treatments to prevent active TB and treatment failure.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies have revealed unexpected bacterial and host heterogeneity in TB, and while elements of this approach have shown promise, integrating host and bacterial multi-omics to guide care is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alland, David — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Alland, David
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.