Understanding how a protein called Sirtuin affects tuberculosis and HIV in the body
Sirtuin -Dependent Regulation of Tuberculosis and HIV Interactions in Macrophages
This research explores how a specific protein called Sirtuin influences both tuberculosis and HIV infections, especially in people living with HIV.
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-11145924 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Tuberculosis and HIV coinfection is a serious global health challenge, particularly because the current TB vaccine cannot be given to people with HIV. Our team recently found that Sirtuin proteins play a key role in how both the tuberculosis bacteria and HIV grow inside human immune cells. We believe that by targeting these Sirtuin proteins with new medications, we might be able to control both infections. This project aims to understand how these infections activate Sirtuins and then develop new combination treatments to fight both HIV and TB.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients, including children, who are living with HIV and are at risk for or have tuberculosis coinfection.
Not a fit: Patients will not directly receive treatment or intervention from this laboratory-based research, as it focuses on understanding disease mechanisms and developing potential new drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective combination therapies for individuals coinfected with HIV and tuberculosis.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary findings have shown that targeting Sirtuins can control both pathogens in cell culture and in humanized mouse models, suggesting a promising new 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.