Understanding how tuberculosis bacteria evade treatment in the body

Mechanism of macrophage efflux system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11133671

This study is looking at how the tuberculosis bacteria hide and resist treatment inside immune cells, with the goal of finding new ways to help people with TB get better faster and avoid drug resistance.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11133671 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the tuberculosis bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, manage to survive and resist treatment within the body's immune cells, specifically macrophages. The researchers aim to identify the mechanisms that allow these bacteria to expel anti-TB drugs from the macrophages, which contributes to the prolonged treatment duration and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. By exploring these pathways, the study seeks to develop new therapies that could shorten treatment times and improve outcomes for patients with tuberculosis. The approach involves both biochemical analysis and potential drug development based on the findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with active or latent tuberculosis, particularly those who have experienced treatment failures or drug resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with non-tuberculosis related lung diseases or those who have not been diagnosed with tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to shorter and more effective treatment regimens for tuberculosis, reducing the risk of drug resistance.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting host-pathogen interactions to improve treatment outcomes for tuberculosis, indicating that this approach could be viable.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.