Why certain lung mycobacteria resist antibiotics
Molecular mechanisms of inherent drug resistance in non-tuberculous mycobacteria
Researchers are finding ways to make the bacteria that cause long-lasting lung infections more sensitive to existing antibiotics for people with non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143231 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use a new lab model that mimics lung infection together with genetic methods to find bacterial genes and pathways that let NTMs survive antibiotics. They will test whether targeting those genes can allow common antibiotics to stop growth or kill Mycobacterium abscessus at drug levels that are safe for patients. The team will also extend promising findings to Mycobacterium avium complex, a more common cause of human NTM infection. The work is lab-based but directed at identifying drug targets or combinations that could lead to better treatments for people with chronic NTM lung infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung infections, especially those infected with Mycobacterium abscessus or Mycobacterium avium complex, are the patient groups most likely to benefit from this line of research.
Not a fit: People without NTM infections or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this laboratory-focused grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to make existing antibiotics clear NTM infections faster and with fewer long-term toxic effects.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior laboratory studies have explored sensitizing mycobacteria to antibiotics, but this approach for NTMs is relatively new and has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rubin, Eric J. — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Rubin, Eric J.
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.