Understanding how tuberculosis bacteria resist rifampin treatment
Official title: Characterizing CaeA-mediated rifampin tolerance in MTB
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10738798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tuberculosis bacteria can resist the antibiotic rifampin, with the goal of finding ways to make TB treatments work better and help patients get better faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | November 10, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $212,621 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI167027-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10738798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis who may be experiencing treatment challenges or relapses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis infections or those who have not been diagnosed with tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) develops tolerance to rifampin, a key antibiotic used in tuberculosis treatment. By utilizing a high-throughput screening method, the study aims to identify specific genes in Mtb that contribute to its ability to survive despite antibiotic exposure. This could lead to improved treatment strategies by targeting these mechanisms, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of existing therapies for tuberculosis. Patients may benefit from more effective treatment regimens that reduce the duration of therapy and improve outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective tuberculosis treatments that shorten therapy duration and reduce relapse rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding antibiotic resistance mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karakousis, Petros C — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Karakousis, Petros C
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.