Understanding how certain immune cells affect the body's response to tuberculosis
Elucidating the mechanisms and consequences of MDSC-regulated immunity in TB
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11126813
This research looks at how specific immune cells, called MDSCs, influence the body's fight against tuberculosis and how they might affect vaccine effectiveness.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11126813 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The grant aims to understand how special immune cells, called MDSCs, interact with the body's defense system against tuberculosis (TB). We know that higher numbers of MDSCs in the blood are linked to more severe TB in people, and in animal models, these cells can reduce the effectiveness of TB vaccines. This project will explore how MDSCs work within infected tissues and whether they help or harm the body's ability to control the infection. The goal is to learn if targeting these cells could improve TB treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with tuberculosis, especially those with severe forms or those who do not respond well to current treatments, might eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without tuberculosis or those whose immune systems are not affected by MDSCs in the same way may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat tuberculosis by targeting specific immune cells, potentially making current treatments more effective or improving vaccine protection.
How similar studies have performed: Early work in animal models using a drug to target MDSCs has shown promising results in reducing bacteria and improving treatment effectiveness for tuberculosis.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MATTILA, JOSHUA T. — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: MATTILA, JOSHUA T.
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.