Investigating the effects of IL-21 treatment alongside ART and TB therapy in HIV and TB co-infection.
Official title: Effect of IL-21 treatment concurrent to ART and 3HP in Mtb/SIV co-infection
Funded at Texas Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11129167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called IL-21, when used with regular HIV and TB treatments, can help boost the immune system in people who have both HIV and TB, making them healthier and less likely to get sick again.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $718,758 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI184089-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129167 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 tuberculosis and are undergoing treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving treatment outcomes for individuals co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis (TB). It aims to enhance the immune response by using a specific protein, IL-21, in combination with standard antiretroviral therapy (ART) and a short course of TB treatment. The study will assess how this combination therapy can help restore immune function and reduce the risk of active TB in patients with HIV. By targeting the immune system, the research seeks to address the limitations of current treatments that do not fully restore immune health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies that significantly reduce the risk of active TB in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immune-targeted therapies for co-infections, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Biomedical Research Institute
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharan, Riti — Texas Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Sharan, Riti
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.