How different tuberculosis strains affect immune cells
M. tuberculosis strain-dependent interactions with host cells
This project looks at how genetic differences in TB bacteria and in people change how immune cells respond, to help people affected by tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11372575 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are combining genetic data from people with different TB outcomes with lab experiments that expose immune cells to different TB strains. They will use a new protein-based scanning tool alongside traditional lab methods to measure how infected macrophages react. The team draws on genome-wide studies from two human populations and follows up those human findings with controlled lab work to find causal mechanisms. The goal is to link specific human and bacterial genetic differences to real changes in cell behavior that relate to disease severity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with current or past tuberculosis or those with known exposure who can share genetic and clinical information.
Not a fit: People without TB or without relevant genetic or clinical data are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better TB tests and more targeted treatments that account for both the person’s and the bacteria’s genetics.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and laboratory studies have linked host and bacterial differences to TB outcomes, but combining large GWAS results with new proteomics during macrophage infections is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cox, Jeffery S — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Cox, Jeffery S
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.