Understanding Early Immune Responses in HIV and Tuberculosis Co-infection

Type I IFN-dependent and independent contributions to the outcomes of early innate immune cell interactions during HIV/TB co-infection

['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11131177

This research explores how immune cells interact in the very early stages of tuberculosis infection, especially in people also living with HIV, to understand why some individuals develop severe disease while others do not.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11131177 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Tuberculosis (TB) often leads to clumps of immune cells called granulomas, and the first cells infected, alveolar macrophages, are key to this process. While we know a lot about the very first moments of infection and later disease stages, there's a gap in understanding what happens in between, particularly how immune cells interact during this critical early period. This knowledge gap is especially important for people with HIV, who face a much higher risk of severe TB outcomes. By uncovering these early cellular and molecular events, we hope to find new ways to prevent TB from progressing.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients living with HIV and/or tuberculosis could potentially benefit from the future therapies developed from this foundational research.

Not a fit: Patients without HIV or tuberculosis are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research focus.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or preventive strategies for tuberculosis, especially for individuals co-infected with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: This research addresses a fundamental gap in understanding early granuloma formation and disease outcomes, suggesting it explores novel or less understood aspects of HIV/TB co-infection.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.