Understanding how low oxygen levels affect immune response in tuberculosis
Hypoxia, tuberculosis, and T cell dysfunction
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11081652
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels affect the immune cells that fight tuberculosis, to understand why some people who seem to control the disease later have it come back, and it hopes to find ways to boost the immune response against TB.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11081652 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of low oxygen levels on T cell function in patients with tuberculosis (TB). It aims to uncover why some individuals who initially control TB later experience a resurgence of the disease, focusing on the role of metabolic stressors like hypoxia. By studying T cells from both human patients and animal models, the research seeks to identify mechanisms of immune failure and potential protective factors. The findings could lead to new strategies for enhancing immunity against TB.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of tuberculosis or those at risk of developing the disease due to factors like diabetes, malnutrition, or cancer.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have tuberculosis or are not at risk for the disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive strategies for tuberculosis, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune dysfunction in tuberculosis, but this specific approach focusing on metabolic stress and T cell dynamics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BEHAR, SAMUEL M — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: BEHAR, SAMUEL M
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, anti-cancer therapy