Understanding how certain immune responses protect against tuberculosis without interferon gamma.
Official title: Mechanisms of IFNg-independent T cell and B cell-mediated protection in TB.
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10882693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some people can stay healthy and not get tuberculosis (TB) even after being around it a lot, and it hopes to find out how their immune system works differently to help protect them, which could lead to better ways to prevent and treat TB.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 26, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $800,200 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI177853-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10882693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to tuberculosis but remain IGRA negative, indicating a strong immune response.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have active tuberculosis or those who are IGRA positive may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how some individuals can resist tuberculosis (TB) infection despite significant exposure to the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It focuses on a unique group of people who remain negative for the interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) even after being exposed to TB, suggesting they have developed a different type of immune response. By studying the immune mechanisms in these 'resisters,' the research aims to uncover how T cells and B cells work together to provide protection against TB. This could lead to new insights into TB immunity and potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating tuberculosis, particularly for those at high risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to tuberculosis, but this specific approach focusing on IFNg-independent mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salgame, Padmini — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Salgame, Padmini
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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.