Understanding how certain immune cells protect against tuberculosis to help develop a vaccine
Determining Protective Features of Human Memory T-cells to Inform Mycobacterium tuberculosis Vaccine Development
This study is looking at how certain immune cells help protect against tuberculosis (TB) and aims to find out what makes some people more resistant to the disease, which could lead to better vaccines for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10894019 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of memory CD4+ T cells in protecting against tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The researchers will analyze how these immune cells recognize and respond to infected macrophages, which are crucial for TB infection. By comparing T cell responses in individuals who are either susceptible or resistant to active TB, the study aims to identify specific T cell functions and characteristics that could inform vaccine development. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to a more effective TB vaccine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where tuberculosis is endemic, particularly those with a history of latent TB infection.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for tuberculosis or those who have already developed active TB may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a reliable vaccine against tuberculosis, potentially saving millions of lives.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to tuberculosis, but this specific approach focusing on memory T cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carpenter, Stephen Matthew — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Carpenter, Stephen Matthew
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.