Improving the BCG Vaccine to Protect HIV-Positive Children from Tuberculosis
Defining the Immunogenicity and Efficacy of a Durable BCG Vaccine Strategy Optimized for Preventing TB in Pediatric HIV Infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11125823
This project looks for better ways to give the BCG vaccine to young children with HIV to protect them from tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11125823 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Tuberculosis is a serious illness, especially for children living with HIV. The current BCG vaccine helps, but we want to find a way to make it work even better and last longer, particularly against lung infections. We are exploring new ways to deliver the vaccine, like through the nose or mouth, and testing a modified version of the vaccine that might be safer for children with weakened immune systems. This work uses young macaque monkeys to understand how these new vaccine approaches work and how well they protect against tuberculosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is foundational for developing new vaccine strategies specifically for children aged 1-2 years who are living with HIV and at risk for tuberculosis.
Not a fit: Patients who are not in the pediatric age range or who do not have HIV infection may not directly benefit from this specific vaccine strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a more effective and safer tuberculosis vaccine strategy for HIV-positive children, offering stronger protection against this serious infection.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in animal models have shown promising results with new BCG delivery methods and modified vaccine strains, suggesting this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCANGA, CHARLES A. — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: SCANGA, CHARLES A.
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