How genetic differences shape tuberculosis outcomes
Systems Genetics of Tuberculosis
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11173642
Scientists are using diverse mouse models and many TB bacterial strains to learn how genetic differences change who gets sick and how well vaccines and drugs work.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11173642 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers combine genetically diverse mice that mimic human variation with large panels of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains to study how host and bacterial genetics interact. They expose these mouse models to infection and overlay interventions like vaccination or drug treatment to see which combinations lead to disease or protection. By comparing many host-pathogen pairs, the team aims to pinpoint genetic factors that drive different clinical outcomes and responses to therapy. Findings are intended to guide future human studies and development of better vaccines or targeted treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The project does not enroll patients directly, but its results will be most relevant to people with active or latent tuberculosis and those at high risk of TB exposure.
Not a fit: People without Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection or those seeking immediate changes to personal treatment plans are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could reveal genetic markers that help predict TB risk or point to better vaccines and treatments tailored to different patient groups.
How similar studies have performed: Genetics-based mouse studies have identified host factors for other infections, and applying combined host and bacterial diversity to TB builds on that prior work but is relatively novel for tuberculosis.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SASSETTI, CHRISTOPHER M — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: SASSETTI, CHRISTOPHER M
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.