Lasting immune changes after TB and effects on long-term health
Post-TB epigenetic scars' impact on long-term inflammation, immunity and mortality
['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11114054
We will look for lasting DNA changes in people who finished TB treatment to see if those changes drive ongoing inflammation and a higher chance of dying later.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11114054 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will follow people who completed successful TB therapy for about 30 months and collect blood samples to search for lasting DNA methylation 'scars.' They will measure inflammatory markers and immune responses in those samples and compare patterns between survivors who remain well and those who later die. The team will combine patient data with lab and animal work to link specific epigenetic marks to persistent inflammation and poorer immune function. The work aims to pinpoint which lasting DNA changes best predict worse health after TB.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have completed successful TB treatment and can provide blood samples and attend follow-up visits over the next 2–3 years are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without a prior TB diagnosis, those with active untreated TB, or those unwilling to give blood or attend follow-up visits are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify biological markers to help target follow-up care or new treatments for TB survivors at higher risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown infections like TB can leave long-lasting DNA methylation changes linked to inflammation, but using those marks to predict post-TB mortality is a new application.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DINARDO, ANDREW R — BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: DINARDO, ANDREW R
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 below.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus