Understanding Lung Healing in Tuberculosis

Role of Lung Repair and Regeneration Pathways in Tuberculosis

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11140997

This project explores how a specific healing pathway in the lungs helps control tuberculosis infection and prevent it from becoming active disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11140997 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many people carry the tuberculosis (TB) germ without getting sick, but some develop active disease later. We want to understand why some individuals stay healthy while others become ill. Our work focuses on a natural healing process in the lungs, called the BMP signaling pathway, which appears to be active during the hidden (latent) phase of TB. We believe this pathway helps repair lung damage and keeps the infection under control. By studying this, we hope to uncover how the body protects itself and what goes wrong when TB becomes active.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research aims to understand the underlying biology of tuberculosis in adults, particularly those with latent infection.

Not a fit: Patients without tuberculosis or those not interested in the fundamental mechanisms of the disease may not directly benefit from this basic science research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing latent tuberculosis infection from progressing to active disease.

How similar studies have performed: This research explores a novel pathway in tuberculosis, as the specific role of the BMP pathway in latent infection and lung repair is currently unknown.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.