How specific lung cells protect against tuberculosis
Type II alveolar epithelial cell-intrinsic IL-1 response in protective immunity against tuberculosis
This research looks at how a natural defense system in your lung cells helps protect against tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on how a protein called Interleukin-1 (IL-1) helps fight tuberculosis (TB) within the lungs. Scientists are exploring how specific lung cells, known as type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII), use IL-1 to defend against the TB bacterium. They are using specialized mouse models to understand how these cells control bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, and prevent severe disease. The goal is to uncover the exact ways these lung cells contribute to the body's natural immunity against TB.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to help individuals at risk for or living with tuberculosis in the future.
Not a fit: Patients without tuberculosis or related lung conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to boost the body's natural defenses against tuberculosis and develop better treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that IL-1 is important for fighting tuberculosis in mice, and genetic differences in IL-1 signaling are linked to a higher risk of active TB in humans.
Where this research is happening
Albany, United States
- Albany Medical College — Albany, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mishra, Bibhuti Bhusan — Albany Medical College
- Study coordinator: Mishra, Bibhuti Bhusan
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.