Using a related mycobacterium and B cells to boost lung immunity against tuberculosis
Non-tuberculous mycobacterium and B cells in the stimulation of ectopic germinal centers and immunological control of pulmonary tuberculosis
This work looks at whether exposure to a harmless mycobacterium together with stronger B-cell responses can help protect lungs from tuberculosis in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11373959 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are building on findings that mice given the BCG vaccine plus exposure to a non-tuberculous mycobacterium developed immune cell structures in the lung and better protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the lab they will study how B cells and ectopic germinal centers in the lung form and how those responses change bacterial levels and inflammation. Experiments use animal models and detailed immune measurements including antibody quality and cellular interactions to understand what drives protection. The goal is to use those insights to design better vaccines or immune therapies that could be tested in people later.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for pulmonary tuberculosis—such as those living in areas with high TB transmission or those with prior BCG vaccination—would be the likely candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with active, untreated TB disease now, those with non-pulmonary TB, or severely immunocompromised individuals are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new vaccine or immune-based approaches that give stronger and longer-lasting protection against pulmonary tuberculosis.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies have suggested that non-tuberculous mycobacteria can enhance protection and drive lung immune structures, but translating these findings to safe, effective human vaccines is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dutt, Taru S. — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Dutt, Taru S.
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.