How TB bacteria affect protein 'droplets' inside immune cells
Investigating the role of liquid-liquid phase separation in the interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and macrophages
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11141202
This project looks at whether proteins in immune cells form droplet-like groups during tuberculosis infection and how that changes the body's fight against TB.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141202 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have tuberculosis, researchers will examine how Mycobacterium tuberculosis interacts with macrophages in the lab, focusing on liquid-liquid phase separation, a process where proteins condense into droplet-like structures. They will study immune proteins such as cGAS, TBK1, p62, and LC3 and some bacterial secreted factors using cultured cells and biochemical imaging and assays. The team will track when and where these protein condensates form during infection and how they change immune signaling. Results are intended to guide future work with patient samples and point toward potential targets for therapies or diagnostics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active or latent tuberculosis, or those willing to donate blood or tissue samples for research, would be most relevant for related future studies.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate clinical treatment or those with conditions unrelated to TB are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to boost immune responses to TB or identify targets for better treatments or diagnostics.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier lab studies have shown several immune proteins can form phase-separated droplets in vitro, but applying this idea to live TB infections is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BELL, SAMANTHA LYNN — RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: BELL, SAMANTHA LYNN
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.