Immune responses in tuberculous meningitis among adults with HIV
TB Meningitis: Evaluating CSF Immunology to Discover Hidden Disease and Potential Immunomodulatory Therapies
This work looks at immune signals in spinal fluid from adults with HIV and suspected tuberculous meningitis to find hidden infections and point to possible immune-based treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146547 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, doctors would collect spinal fluid (CSF) when TB meningitis is suspected and use a very sensitive test (Xpert Ultra) to find bacteria that routine tests miss. They will measure immune proteins and cells in the CSF to see which patterns are linked with getting better or worse. Researchers will compare people with different levels of bacteria and immune responses to identify harmful or protective immune signatures. The goal is to use those findings to guide new treatments that adjust the immune response in people with HIV and TB meningitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who have symptoms suggesting tuberculous meningitis and who can undergo lumbar puncture for CSF collection are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV, children under the study age cutoff, or anyone unable or unwilling to have a lumbar puncture would likely not be eligible and would not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve diagnosis of TB meningitis in people with HIV and lead to treatments that reduce dangerous immune reactions and improve survival.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that Xpert Ultra detects more TB in CSF than older tests and that immune markers relate to outcomes, but immune-targeting treatments for HIV-associated TB meningitis remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boulware, David R — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Boulware, David R
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.