Targeting foam cells to improve tuberculosis treatment
Official title: Foam cells as drug targets in tuberculosis
Funded at Rbhs-New Jersey Medical School · NIH-10436308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells, called foam cells, can make it harder for the body to fight off tuberculosis (TB), and it hopes to find new ways to help people with TB by blocking the formation of these cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rbhs-New Jersey Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $787,112 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL149450-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10436308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis who may benefit from novel therapeutic strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have tuberculosis or those with other unrelated conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how lipid-laden macrophages, known as foam cells, contribute to the persistence of tuberculosis (TB) infections. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind foam cell formation and how blocking this process could enhance the body's ability to clear the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. By focusing on specific cellular pathways that regulate lipid accumulation in these cells, the research seeks to develop targeted interventions that could improve TB treatment outcomes. Patients may benefit from new therapies that specifically address the role of foam cells in TB pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for tuberculosis by targeting the mechanisms that allow the bacteria to survive within the body.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting foam cells in tuberculosis is relatively novel, similar strategies in other diseases have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Rbhs-New Jersey Medical School
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gennaro, Maria Laura — Rbhs-New Jersey Medical School
- Study coordinator: Gennaro, Maria Laura
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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.