Mtb metabolites to spark MAIT cell protection in TB
Official title: M. tuberculosis metabolites to activate human mucosal-associated invariant T cells
Funded at Texas Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11370177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how tiny Mtb compounds can trigger MAIT cells to fight tuberculosis in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $608,371 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173245-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370177 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people at risk for TB exposure or with early TB infection where MAIT cell responses could be harnessed.
✕Less likely to help
People without TB exposure or immune conditions affecting MAIT cell function may not benefit.
What this research studies
Tuberculosis remains a major global killer, and drug resistance makes it hard to treat. The project focuses on MAIT cells, a type of immune cell that can respond quickly to bacterial metabolites presented by a universal molecule. Researchers will study Mtb-derived metabolites and how they activate MAIT cells to produce an early immune response against TB. The work aims to identify new cellular targets and ways to boost protection in humans who are exposed to TB.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new approaches that activate MAIT cells to improve protection against TB.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest MAIT cells can respond to bacterial metabolites and may contribute to protection, but more work is needed to translate this to TB.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Biomedical Research Institute
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Shouxiong — Texas Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Huang, Shouxiong
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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.