Understanding how tuberculosis bacteria evade treatment in the body
Official title: Mechanism of macrophage efflux system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11133671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $749,414 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI180517-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with active or latent tuberculosis, particularly those who have experienced treatment failures or drug resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis related lung diseases or those who have not been diagnosed with tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajaram, Murugesan — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Rajaram, Murugesan
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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.