Understanding how specific immune cells protect against tuberculosis
Official title: Harnessing activated CD4 T cells to define new mechanisms of protection in tuberculosis
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10877769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called CD4 T cells help protect against tuberculosis (TB) by examining their behavior in the lungs of people with the infection, which could lead to better ways to treat or prevent TB in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $590,248 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173780-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with tuberculosis and have a measurable immune response.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with tuberculosis or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of activated CD4 T cells in providing protection against tuberculosis (TB). By isolating these cells from the lungs of infected individuals, the study aims to identify their specific functions and the mechanisms they use to combat the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. The researchers employ advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and fluorescence cell sorting to analyze these immune cells in detail. This approach could lead to new insights into TB immunity and potential therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and vaccines for tuberculosis, enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in utilizing immune cell profiling to enhance understanding of TB immunity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bold, Tyler Dallas — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Bold, Tyler Dallas
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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.