Improving tuberculosis vaccine effectiveness
Enhancing cytotoxic lymphocytes in a TB vaccine strategy
This study is testing a new way to make the TB vaccine stronger by using a special treatment to boost your immune system, and it could help people with tuberculosis get better protection against the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11007203 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) by using a novel approach called 'enhanced prime and pull'. The study will explore the use of an IL-15 agonist, N-803, to increase the presence of immune cells that are crucial for fighting TB. By administering the vaccine through different routes and doses, including aerosolized BCG, the researchers hope to improve the immune response in the lungs. Patients may benefit from a more effective TB vaccine that could lead to better protection against this serious infectious disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of tuberculosis infection or those who have previously received the BCG vaccine.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for tuberculosis or those with contraindications to vaccination may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective TB vaccine, significantly reducing the incidence and mortality associated with tuberculosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with alternative BCG administration routes, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flynn, Joanne L. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Flynn, Joanne L.
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.