Understanding how immune cells protect against tuberculosis

Harnessing activated CD4 T cells to define new mechanisms of protection in tuberculosis

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11122267

This work explores how certain immune cells, called CD4 T cells, protect people from tuberculosis, aiming to find new ways to fight the infection.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11122267 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection, and while CD4 T cells are known to be crucial for protection, we don't fully understand how they work. This project aims to identify the specific actions of these protective CD4 T cells in the lungs during TB infection. By using advanced techniques to study these cells, we hope to uncover new markers and functions that are key to a strong immune response. This deeper understanding could lead to more effective treatments or vaccines for TB.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals with tuberculosis or those at risk of infection in the future.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for tuberculosis would not directly benefit from participating in this basic science research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new therapies or vaccines that enhance the body's natural defenses against tuberculosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the importance of CD4 T cells in TB is established, this approach uses novel techniques to pinpoint the specific activated cells responsible for protection, which is a relatively new area of focus.

Where this research is happening

MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.