Type II alveolar cells’ IL-1 role in defending against TB
Official title: Type II alveolar epithelial cell-intrinsic IL-1 response in protective immunity against tuberculosis
Funded at Albany Medical College · NIH-11372983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A farmer-friendly look at how a specific lung cell type uses IL-1 to help fight tuberculosis in mice, with potential implications for human TB defense.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $537,159 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166257-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with or at risk for TB, or patients with IL-1 signaling pathway concerns, for future translation of findings.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without TB exposure or with conditions unrelated to IL-1–driven lung immunity may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how IL-1 signaling in type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) helps control TB infection in the lungs. By creating mouse models with cell-type specific IL-1R1 deletions or restorations, the study tests whether AECII IL-1R1 is necessary and sufficient to limit bacteria, reduce lung inflammation, and prevent wasting. Findings could reveal new targets to boost lung defenses against TB in people. The work builds on prior observations that IL-1 signaling affects TB outcomes and neutrophil responses in the lung.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could guide development of therapies or vaccines that enhance AECII IL-1 signaling to improve protection against TB.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mouse studies show IL-1R1 signaling in lung cells influences TB outcomes, suggesting potential for translation but human relevance is being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Albany Medical College
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mishra, Bibhuti Bhusan — Albany Medical College
- Study coordinator: Mishra, Bibhuti Bhusan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Coronary disease and immune activation in people with HIV and tuberculosis coinfection
This research looks at how having HIV and latent tuberculosis together might raise the risk of heart disease, and what immune changes are involved.
-
Pulmonary rehabilitation to reduce breathing problems after tuberculosis
A program of guided exercise and breathing training to help adults who have recovered from TB breathe better and feel healthier.
-
Pulmonary rehab to reduce breathing troubles after TB
A program of pulmonary rehabilitation is being studied to help adults who have completed TB treatment avoid ongoing lung problems and improve daily breathing.
-
Air pollution and tuberculosis spread in Kampala, Uganda
This project looks at whether dirty air from PM2.5 particles makes tuberculosis more likely to spread within urban slum households in Kampala, Uganda.
-
Air pollution and TB spread in Ugandan urban slums
This project explores whether exposure to air pollution makes tuberculosis more likely to spread within households in a crowded Ugandan slum.
-
Air pollution and TB transmission in Kampala’s urban slums
This project looks at whether air pollution from PM2.5 makes tuberculosis spread more easily from infected people to their neighbors in urban slums of Kampala, Uganda.
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.