Understanding how some people resist tuberculosis infection
Immunoproteomic mechanisms of human macrophage resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
This study is looking at why some people who are around others with tuberculosis (TB) don’t get sick, by checking the proteins in their immune cells to find out what makes them resistant, which could help develop new treatments for TB.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10897906 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates why a small percentage of individuals exposed to tuberculosis (TB) do not develop the infection, despite being in close contact with infected individuals. The study focuses on analyzing proteins in human immune cells called macrophages to identify differences between those who resist TB and those who do not. By examining these proteins and their interactions with the TB bacteria, researchers aim to uncover mechanisms of natural resistance that could lead to new treatments. The approach includes advanced techniques like proteomics and bioinformatics to analyze patient samples and identify key proteins involved in the immune response.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to tuberculosis but have not developed the infection, particularly those classified as clinically resistant.
Not a fit: Patients who have already developed active tuberculosis or those without any known exposure to the disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the immune response against tuberculosis, potentially reducing the incidence of the disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to tuberculosis, but this specific approach focusing on natural resistance mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anterasian, Christine M — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Anterasian, Christine 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.