How the immune protein IDO weakens defenses in tuberculosis and whether blocking it helps
Myeloid and lymphoid immunity-specific mechanisms of IDO mediated immunosuppression and its reversal, during TB
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11295984
This work looks at whether blocking a protein called IDO can help the immune system fight tuberculosis in people and in animal models, including TB/HIV co-infection.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11295984 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a macaque model that mimics natural TB and TB/HIV co-infection alongside studies of human lung TB granulomas to understand how IDO suppresses immune cells. They block IDO enzymatic activity with an FDA-approved compound that has already shown benefit in macaques and examine how granulomas, T cell location, and bacterial killing change. The team also studies how IDO blockade works together with standard anti-TB drugs and in the setting of HIV co-infection. Outcomes measured include clinical signs, survival, tissue changes in granulomas, and immune and metabolic signaling pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active pulmonary tuberculosis, including those with HIV co-infection or drug-resistant TB, would be the most likely candidates for related clinical testing.
Not a fit: People with latent TB, TB limited to non-lung sites, or those who cannot receive immune-modulating treatments may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could become an add-on therapy that helps antibiotics work better, improves immune control of TB, and reduces disease and death.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work in macaques and analyses of human TB granulomas showed that blocking IDO reshaped granulomas, increased T cell activity, and improved outcomes, so this approach has encouraging preclinical support.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MEHRA, SMRITI — TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: MEHRA, SMRITI
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus