Investigating how long the BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis infection
Official title: Durability of systemic and lung immune correlates of BCG-induced protection against M. tuberculosis infection
Funded at University of Cape Town · NIH-10676971 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well the BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis over time, especially in teenagers who are more likely to get the disease, by checking their blood and lung samples to find out how their immune system responds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cape Town NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rondebosch, South Africa) |
| Project start | August 11, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $593,748 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI150850-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10676971 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents who have received the BCG vaccine and are at risk for tuberculosis infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received the BCG vaccine or those who are not at risk for tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the long-term immune responses generated by the BCG vaccine, which is currently the only licensed vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). By collecting blood and lung samples from participants, the study aims to identify immune markers that indicate protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The research will also explore how durable this protection is, particularly in adolescents who are at high risk for TB. This could lead to better vaccination strategies and improved outcomes for those at risk of TB.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to enhanced vaccination strategies that provide longer-lasting protection against tuberculosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to the BCG vaccine, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nemes, Elisa — University of Cape Town
- Study coordinator: Nemes, Elisa
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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.