How tuberculosis bacteria turn off a cell's immune alarm
Manipulation of the host cell inflammasome by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Researchers are working to find which TB bacterial genes shut down a key immune alarm inside infected cells to help guide better treatments for people with tuberculosis.
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-10837046 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is looking at how Mycobacterium tuberculosis blocks the inflammasome, a part of immune cells that helps fight infection. They have already found one bacterial gene (PknF) and several other genomic regions that seem to stop the inflammasome from making the immune signal IL-1β. The lab uses genetic screens and laboratory models, including mouse models and infected cells, to pinpoint the bacterial factors and study how they work. Eventually the researchers will test whether these bacterial genes affect how harmful TB is and whether blocking them might help treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active pulmonary tuberculosis or those affected by TB who are interested in future clinical or sample-donation opportunities would be most relevant to follow this research.
Not a fit: Patients without TB or those needing immediate clinical care should not expect direct or immediate benefits from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or add-on therapies that boost the immune response and improve TB treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows IL-1β supports protection against TB and that host-directed approaches can help, but targeting the specific bacterial genes that block the inflammasome is a relatively new direction.
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.