Understanding the Immune System's Role in Latent Tuberculosis
Role of Inducible Bronchus Associated Lymphoid Tissue in Latent Tuberculosis
This work explores how a specific part of the lung's immune system helps control tuberculosis infection in people who carry the bacteria without showing symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11011279 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
About a quarter of the world's population has a hidden tuberculosis infection, meaning they carry the bacteria but don't feel sick. However, there's a chance this infection could become active, leading to serious illness. This project looks closely at a special immune tissue in the lungs, called iBALT, which contains immune cells known as B-cells. We want to understand how iBALT helps the body keep the tuberculosis bacteria under control and prevent the infection from progressing. By learning more about these immune responses, we hope to find new ways to develop better treatments or vaccines for tuberculosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is relevant to individuals with latent tuberculosis infection, particularly those at risk of developing active pulmonary tuberculosis.
Not a fit: Patients with active, drug-resistant tuberculosis may not directly benefit from this early-stage research focused on latent infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing latent tuberculosis from becoming active disease and improve vaccine development.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team, using human samples and animal models, has already shown a protective role for iBALT in controlling tuberculosis infection.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khader, Shabaana a. — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Khader, Shabaana a.
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.