NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating a new BCG vaccine strategy to prevent TB in children with HIV

Official title: Defining the Immunogenicity and Efficacy of a Durable BCG Vaccine Strategy Optimized for Preventing TB in Pediatric HIV Infection

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10891724 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new version of the TB vaccine in young macaques to see if it can work better, especially for kids with HIV, by trying out different ways to give the vaccine.

More HIV Infection research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startJuly 20, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$793,149
NIH project number5R01AI179324-02
Project IDNIH-10891724 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 1 to 2 years who are HIV-positive and at risk for tuberculosis.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not HIV-positive or older than 2 years may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which is currently the only licensed vaccine for tuberculosis (TB). It aims to test a new, more attenuated strain of BCG, known as BCGΔ1419c, in young macaques that closely mimic the pediatric population. The study will explore different methods of vaccine delivery, including mucosal routes, to enhance the immune response in children, particularly those who are HIV-positive. Advanced techniques such as flow cytometry and RNA sequencing will be used to assess the vaccine's effectiveness and safety.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective TB vaccine for children, especially those living with HIV, significantly reducing their risk of developing the disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with alternative delivery methods of the BCG vaccine, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • 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.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.