How human genes affect TB granulomas
Linking Human TB Genetic Susceptibility Loci to Granuloma Biology
This project links human genetic differences to how TB granulomas form and behave to help explain why some people clear infection while others develop active disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249961 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are using animal models (mice and zebrafish) and tissue explants to study the clumps of immune cells called granulomas that form during tuberculosis. They will profile individual cells' gene activity with single-cell sequencing and use both host and bacterial genetic changes to see how granuloma structure, cell types, and necrosis change. The team will also examine how immune cells and antibiotics reach bacteria inside granulomas to understand barriers to treatment. Findings are intended to connect known human genetic risk locations to the physical and cellular behavior of granulomas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for any sample donation or clinical collaboration would be people with pulmonary TB or those undergoing clinical procedures that yield granuloma tissue, plus individuals with documented TB infection history.
Not a fit: People without TB infection or whose illness does not involve granuloma formation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain why some people are more susceptible to active TB and point to ways to improve drug delivery or targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has identified human TB risk genes and used animal models to study granulomas, but linking human genetic loci to granuloma structure across multiple models using single-cell methods is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tobin, David M. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Tobin, David 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.