Understanding how tuberculosis affects immune cells
Official title: Mechanisms of macrophage death co-dependent on M. tuberculosis and IFN-a,b receptor
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10875431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria that cause tuberculosis interact with certain immune cells in our body, and it aims to find ways to help those immune cells survive better during the infection, which could help people recover from tuberculosis faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $211,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178133-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875431 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis who may benefit from enhanced immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious diseases or those not infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, interact with immune cells called macrophages. The study focuses on how these immune cells can be made to survive better during infection, potentially leading to faster recovery from tuberculosis. Researchers will use advanced techniques, including CRISPR, to identify specific molecules involved in the death of these immune cells and test existing drugs that might help protect them. By improving the survival of macrophages, the goal is to enhance the body's ability to fight off the infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help patients recover from tuberculosis more quickly and with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using host-directed therapies to improve outcomes in tuberculosis treatment, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nathan, Carl Francis — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Nathan, Carl Francis
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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.