Investigating how tuberculosis bacteria use host cholesterol to survive
Official title: How Mtb 3B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase accesses host cholesterol
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11211077 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tuberculosis bacteria interacts with cholesterol in our bodies and how it might change our immune response to help it survive, so it's aimed at understanding this process better for people with tuberculosis.
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 | February 13, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $67,754 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI178685-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11211077 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis or those at high risk of developing the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have tuberculosis or are not at risk for the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis, interacts with cholesterol in the human body. It focuses on understanding how Mtb modifies the host's immune response to establish infection and persist despite the body's defenses. The study examines the role of a specific enzyme, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, in altering cholesterol metabolites, which may affect immune signaling. By analyzing samples from infected individuals and animal models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which Mtb accesses and utilizes host cholesterol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating tuberculosis by targeting how the bacteria manipulate cholesterol and the immune response.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial interactions with host metabolism can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Philips, Jennifer a — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Philips, Jennifer a
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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.