Nanobody-Based Diagnostics for Tuberculosis
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11572321 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to develop fast, multi-antigen TB tests using tiny antibody fragments to improve diagnosis for people with suspected TB, including those with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $731,581 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI203377-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11572321 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with suspected active TB, especially in settings with HIV co-infection or limited lab infrastructure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without suspected TB or those in settings with reliable existing diagnostics may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Tuberculosis remains a major global health problem, especially in low-resource settings. This project focuses on creating a TB diagnostic tool that can detect multiple M. tuberculosis antigens at the point of care, even when disease presents differently or in co-morbidity with HIV. The team will leverage nanobody technology to generate robust antibodies that work across diverse TB stages and patient populations. The approach emphasizes simplicity, speed, and accuracy to enable diagnosis outside traditional laboratories. If successful, the test could shorten the time to treatment and curb transmission, particularly in high-need areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A more accurate, rapid TB test could lead to earlier treatment and reduced transmission, improving survival and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous TB diagnostics have improved with multi-antigen approaches, but this specific nanobody-based, point-of-care strategy is an innovative extension with potential for greater impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tafesse, Fikadu G. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Tafesse, Fikadu G.
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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.