NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating the role of type II arginase in tuberculosis

Official title: Type II arginase and tuberculosis pathogenesis

Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10990543 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called type II arginase (ARG2) influences the immune system's response to tuberculosis (TB), with the hope of finding better ways to treat the disease.

More Tuberculosis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project startNovember 20, 2023
Project endOctober 31, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$228,435
NIH project number5R21AI180662-02
Project IDNIH-10990543 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis, particularly those who may be at risk for multi-drug-resistant strains.

Less likely to help

Patients with other infectious diseases unrelated to tuberculosis may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how type II arginase (ARG2) affects the immune response to tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. By studying animal models, the researchers aim to uncover the metabolic changes in immune cells during TB infection and how these changes can be harnessed to improve treatment outcomes. The study involves analyzing the dynamics of macrophage responses and the role of ARG2 in regulating inflammation and metabolism. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapies that can enhance the effectiveness of existing TB treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve treatment outcomes for patients with tuberculosis.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in immune responses, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in TB treatment.

Where this research is happening

  • Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
    Newark, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Shi, Lanbo — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Shi, Lanbo

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.