Investigating the role of ESAT-6 in tuberculosis vaccines
Official title: A novel approach to determine the value of ESAT-6 as an antigen in M. tuberculosis infection and vaccines
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11104042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein from the tuberculosis bacteria to see if it can help make better vaccines or if it might actually get in the way of our immune system's ability to fight TB, which could lead to improved protection for people at risk of this infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $278,390 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI189792-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11104042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk of tuberculosis infection or those who have been diagnosed with latent or active TB.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for tuberculosis or those who have already received effective TB vaccinations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the ESAT-6 protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis may influence the immune response in tuberculosis (TB) infections and vaccines. The study aims to determine whether ESAT-6 is a beneficial antigen that can help develop more effective TB vaccines or if it acts as a decoy that hinders protective immunity. By analyzing immune responses in various animal models and potentially in humans, the research seeks to clarify the role of ESAT-6 in TB immunity. This could lead to better vaccine strategies that enhance protection against TB.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines against tuberculosis, improving patient outcomes and reducing the global burden of the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the efficacy of ESAT-6 in TB vaccines, indicating that this area is still under investigation and may lead to novel insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ernst, Joel D. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ernst, Joel D.
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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.