How tuberculosis nodules trigger new blood vessel growth
Genetic dissection of angiogenesis during mycobacterial infection
Researchers are testing whether a specific bacterial lipid causes blood vessels to grow in TB nodules and whether blocking that process can help control the infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285248 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have tuberculosis, this work looks at how the bacteria in granulomas (the nodules your immune system forms) may spur growth of nearby blood vessels. The team uses a zebrafish infection model that mimics key features of human TB to identify a bacterial lipid (a modified form of TDM) that makes certain immune cells produce Vegfa, a strong driver of angiogenesis. In that model, drugs that block the Vegfa-driven pathway reduced bacterial burden and improved outcomes. Researchers will map the cells and molecular signals, including the NFAT pathway, that let the bacteria promote blood vessel growth so future treatments can target that process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active pulmonary tuberculosis, especially those with granulomatous or cavitary disease, are the likely candidates for future clinical testing of therapies derived from this work.
Not a fit: People without mycobacterial infections or those with unrelated lung conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that block bacteria-driven blood vessel growth in TB nodules and help existing TB drugs clear infections more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical models have shown that blocking Vegfa-driven angiogenesis can lower mycobacterial burden and this approach builds on established anti-angiogenesis strategies used in other diseases, although human TB trials are limited.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tobin, David M. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Tobin, David M.
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.