Understanding how TB bacteria tamps down the body's alarm system
Official title: Manipulation of the host cell inflammasome by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11398227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant studies how Mycobacterium tuberculosis blocks a key immune signal to help the bacteria cause tuberculosis, with the goal of finding new ways to boost the body's defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | June 8, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $592,882 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI147630-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with active or latent TB could potentially benefit from future therapies developed based on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science work may not provide immediate benefits to current patients during the project period.
What this research studies
Tuberculosis remains a major health challenge. This project looks at how the TB bacteria interfere with the inflammasome, a part of the immune system that helps fight infections. Researchers will use genetic screens and mouse models to identify bacterial genes that suppress this immune activation and to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings could point to new drug targets that strengthen host defenses or reduce the bacteria's ability to thrive. The work is long-term and aims to translate basic insights into strategies for better therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new drugs or host-directed therapies that enhance the body's ability to fight TB.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that the inflammasome can influence TB outcomes, supporting the potential impact of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Briken, Volker — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Briken, Volker
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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.