Investigating immune responses in TB meningitis among HIV-infected individuals
Official title: TB Meningitis: Evaluating CSF Immunology to Discover Hidden Disease and Potential Immunomodulatory Therapies
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10888216 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system responds in people with tuberculous meningitis who also have HIV, to find out what helps them do better or worse, with the hope of improving diagnosis and treatment options for patients in Uganda.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $649,938 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI162786-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888216 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are living with HIV and have been diagnosed with or are suspected to have tuberculous meningitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or do not have tuberculous meningitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the immune responses in patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) who are also living with HIV. It aims to identify the specific immune signatures that are associated with better or worse outcomes in these patients. By utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques, the study seeks to improve the detection of TBM and explore potential immunomodulatory therapies that could enhance treatment effectiveness. The research team, experienced in clinical and translational studies, will conduct this work primarily in Uganda, where the burden of TBM is significant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients suffering from TB meningitis, particularly those with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in TBM, but this specific approach focusing on HIV-infected individuals is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boulware, David R — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Boulware, David R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Personalized Immunomodulatory Therapy for HIV-related Cryptococcal Meningitis
A patient-focused study investigates a personalized treatment approach to improve outcomes for people with HIV who develop cryptococcal meningitis.
-
Improving Diagnostics and Neurocognitive Outcomes in HIV/AIDS-related Meningitis
A study in Uganda aims to use faster, better tests and a new antifungal to help people with HIV who develop meningitis.
-
TB meningitis diagnostic test compare and cost study in sub-Saharan Africa
Researchers are testing a new CSF urine-based test (SILVAMP TB LAM) to improve diagnosis of TB meningitis in people with HIV, to help speed treatment and reduce death in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Minimally Invasive Sampling to Improve HIV-Associated M meningitis Diagnosis in Africa
A research study is testing easier, less invasive ways to diagnose meningitis in people living with HIV, with a focus on making diagnosis faster and more accurate in Africa and the US.
-
Understanding brain injury in kids with tuberculous meningitis (iThemba)
A study in children with TB meningitis in South Africa will look at how inflammation and blood-clotting factors relate to brain injury and infarcts.
-
Serological clues to survival in HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis
This grant looks for antibody signals in the blood that could predict who survives cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV.
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.