Investigating how certain immune responses affect tuberculosis immunity
Official title: The impact of IL-4 and IL-4-producing cells on protective immunity to tuberculosis
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10997348 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells and responses in children from Sub-Saharan Africa might affect how well the BCG vaccine works against tuberculosis, especially for those who also have worm infections, to help find better ways to protect these kids from TB.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $213,412 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175987-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997348 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old living in Sub-Saharan Africa who are at risk for tuberculosis and may also have helminth infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or those living outside of Sub-Saharan Africa may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of IL-4 and IL-4-producing cells in the immune response to tuberculosis (TB), particularly in the context of children in Sub-Saharan Africa who may be affected by both TB and helminth infections. The study aims to understand how type 2 immune responses, which are typically triggered by helminths, can influence the effectiveness of the BCG vaccine against TB. By using a genetically diverse mouse model, the researchers will analyze the interactions between these immune responses and their impact on TB progression. This could provide insights into improving vaccine efficacy and protective immunity in vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved TB vaccines and better protective strategies for children at risk of TB infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in diverse populations can lead to significant advancements in vaccine development, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Behar, Samuel M — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Behar, Samuel M
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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.