New Stem Cell Treatment for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Novel Stem Cell Immunotherapy for MDR-Tuberculosis
This project explores using special stem cells to help the body's immune system fight off drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092787 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection, and drug-resistant forms are a growing concern worldwide. Our bodies naturally form immune cell clusters called granulomas to contain the infection, and certain immune cells called macrophages are key to killing the bacteria. We've found ways to make these macrophages more effective at fighting TB. This includes using stem cells to "reprogram" macrophages to become better at killing the bacteria, aiming to boost your body's own defenses against the infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis who may benefit from new therapeutic approaches.
Not a fit: Patients with drug-sensitive tuberculosis or other conditions not related to this specific infection may not directly benefit from this particular treatment strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new stem cell treatment could offer a much-needed additional way to fight multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, especially when current drug regimens are not enough.
How similar studies have performed: Early trials using similar stem cells have shown improvements in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, suggesting promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Methodist Hospital Research Institute — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jagannath, Chinnaswamy — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Jagannath, Chinnaswamy
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.