Understanding the cells and molecules inside lung tuberculosis granulomas
Dynamics of the cellular and molecular architecture of human pulmonary TB granulomas
This project looks at the different immune cells and signals inside lung TB granulomas to learn why some areas control the bacteria while others let disease get worse in people with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262318 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, doctors will analyze samples of your lung TB granulomas using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial sequencing to see what each cell is doing and where it sits. They will compare granulomas that have few or no bacteria with those that have high bacterial loads and follow changes as lesions progress. The team will focus on different macrophage and T cell subgroups to find which cells help kill bacteria and which contribute to tissue damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active pulmonary tuberculosis who can consent to provide lung tissue, biopsies, or other clinical samples during diagnostic or surgical procedures at participating sites.
Not a fit: People without active lung TB or those unable or unwilling to provide tissue or biopsy samples are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to specific immune cells or molecules to target for new treatments or tests that prevent TB from progressing.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell and spatial sequencing have revealed important immune details in other infections and are beginning to be applied to human TB granulomas, making this a relatively new but promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Modlin, Robert L — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Modlin, Robert L
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 below.