Investigating how immune cells interact during HIV and TB co-infection
Official title: Type I IFN-dependent and independent contributions to the outcomes of early innate immune cell interactions during HIV/TB co-infection
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10948788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells in the lungs react when someone with both tuberculosis (TB) and HIV gets infected, to help find better ways to treat and manage their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $899,894 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI184666-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are co-infected with HIV and TB, particularly those in the early stages of TB infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not co-infected with HIV and TB or those who have advanced stages of TB may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the early interactions between immune cells, particularly alveolar macrophages, during the initial stages of tuberculosis (TB) infection in individuals co-infected with HIV. By examining how these immune cells respond to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) bacteria, the research aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that influence whether a person can control the infection or progresses to severe disease. The study will utilize advanced techniques to analyze cell communication and signaling pathways that are critical in the formation of granulomas, which are clusters of immune cells that form in response to TB. Insights gained from this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for patients with HIV/TB co-infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals co-infected with HIV and TB, potentially reducing disease severity and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in TB, but this specific focus on HIV/TB co-infection and early immune interactions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stallings, Christina Leigh — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Stallings, Christina Leigh
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.