Understanding how lung immune cells respond to tuberculosis infection
Official title: Ontogeny and metabolism of lung alveolar macrophages in tuberculosis
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-10942945 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the lungs behave during tuberculosis (TB) infection, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatment and vaccines for people with TB.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | August 13, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $769,925 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI184960-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942945 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with active tuberculosis or those at high risk of developing the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious lung diseases or those who are not at risk for tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lung alveolar macrophages in tuberculosis (TB) infection, focusing on how these immune cells develop and metabolize during the disease. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms that make these macrophages permissive to the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. By examining the origins of these cells and their metabolic processes, researchers hope to identify potential targets for improving TB treatment and vaccine development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments and vaccines for tuberculosis, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune cell behavior in infections can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Lu — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Huang, Lu
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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.