Understanding how the body fights tuberculosis to create better vaccines
Project 4: The intersection of innate and adaptive immunity to M. tuberculosis
This research explores new ways to create a more effective vaccine against tuberculosis, a serious bacterial infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135568 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge, partly because we don't have a strong vaccine to protect against it. This project is looking into a new type of vaccine that uses special activators called STING-activating cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) to boost the body's immune response. We want to understand exactly how these activators work to create long-lasting protection, especially when delivered through the nose or mouth. We are also exploring the role of a specific immune signal, IL-17, in making these vaccines effective, which could help us design even better ways to prevent tuberculosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future patients who could benefit from this research would be those at risk of tuberculosis infection, particularly in areas where the disease is common.
Not a fit: Patients already suffering from active tuberculosis may not directly benefit from a preventative vaccine developed through this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of a highly effective new vaccine to prevent tuberculosis, protecting many people worldwide.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that STING-activating compounds can elicit protective immunity against tuberculosis in animal models, suggesting a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stanley, Sarah a — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Stanley, Sarah a
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.