Immune responses to tuberculosis in young children with and without HIV exposure

Defining adaptive immune responses to Mtb-infection and TB disease among young children with and without HIV-exposure

NIH-funded research Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11056877

This project compares how the immune systems of children under five respond to tuberculosis, looking at differences between those exposed to HIV and those not exposed.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon Health & Science University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11056877 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We will enroll young children under age five who live in households with a person who has active TB in Kampala, Uganda, and collect clinical information and blood samples. Researchers will measure adaptive immune cells and antibodies to identify patterns linked to TB exposure, infection, and disease. Children born to HIV-positive mothers (HIV-exposed uninfected) will be compared with children who were not exposed to HIV to see if their immune signatures differ. The goal is to find immune biosignatures across the spectrum from exposure to active TB that could guide better tests or vaccines for young children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children under five who are household contacts of someone with active TB, including HIV-exposed uninfected children, typically enrolled in Kampala, Uganda.

Not a fit: Children older than five, those not exposed to a household TB case, or children who are HIV-infected may not be eligible or likely to benefit directly from this specific study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help develop improved diagnostic tests and vaccine strategies tailored to protect young children, especially those with HIV exposure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous epidemiologic and immunologic studies suggest HEU children have distinct immune features and household contact studies have identified TB-related immune markers, but detailed immune biosignatures in HEU children exposed to Mtb remain largely uncharacterized.

Where this research is happening

Portland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.