Understanding how a specific protein affects tuberculosis bacteria in immune cell clusters
Official title: The Sigma factor SigE's role in mycobacterial granulomas
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11076333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the tuberculosis bacteria helps it survive in the immune system's protective clusters, which could lead to new treatments for patients with tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $41,986 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI179076-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are affected by tuberculosis or are at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis related infections or those who are not adults may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the sigma factor SigE in the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis within immune cell clusters known as granulomas. By using a zebrafish model, the study aims to uncover how specific components of the bacterial cell envelope interact with the host immune response. The research will focus on how these interactions influence the bacteria's ability to persist in the granuloma, which is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to novel treatments targeting these bacterial components.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that more effectively target and eliminate tuberculosis bacteria from the body.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting bacterial components in similar contexts, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Menon, Aruna Rajendran — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Menon, Aruna Rajendran
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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.