Understanding how tuberculosis bacteria resist treatment from viruses that target them
Official title: Examination of phage resistance and susceptibility in M tuberculosis
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11094144 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tuberculosis bacteria interacts with viruses that can kill it, to help find new ways to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | May 23, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $185,968 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185823-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094144 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and young individuals under 21 years old who are affected by tuberculosis, especially those with drug-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis infections or those who do not have drug-resistant tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, interacts with bacteriophages, which are viruses that can kill bacteria. By examining archived collections of Mtb phages, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind phage resistance and susceptibility in these bacteria. The researchers will analyze the properties of different phages and identify genetic factors in Mtb that may confer immunity to these viruses. This knowledge could pave the way for developing new phage therapies to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for patients suffering from drug-resistant tuberculosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using phage therapy for bacterial infections, indicating potential success for this novel approach in treating tuberculosis.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cirillo, Jeffrey D. — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Cirillo, Jeffrey D.
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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.