How Mycobacterium tuberculosis escapes from host cells
Molecular mechanisms of host cell escape by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
This study is looking at how the tuberculosis bacteria trick our cells to survive and cause illness, and it aims to find new ways to help treat the disease by understanding these tricks better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10544327 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the ways in which the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) manages to escape from human host cells, which is crucial for its survival and ability to cause disease. The researchers are focusing on specific molecular mechanisms, particularly how Mtb manipulates host cell signaling pathways to induce cell death and evade immune responses. By studying unique Mtb mutants, they aim to uncover the interactions between the bacterium and host cells, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. The research involves advanced techniques such as Western blotting and analysis of autophagy and necrosis pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are at risk of or currently infected with tuberculosis.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have tuberculosis or are not at risk for infection may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for tuberculosis, potentially reducing the incidence and mortality associated with this disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial evasion mechanisms, but this specific approach to studying Mtb's escape from host cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Briken, Volker — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Briken, Volker
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.