Why different BCG vaccine versions protect differently
Molecular basis of BCG vaccine sub-strain heterogeneity
This project compares common BCG vaccine versions to learn why some give better protection against tuberculosis for adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237189 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work compares commonly used BCG vaccine versions to find molecular differences that might explain why some protect better against tuberculosis. Researchers will use detailed lab tests, including epigenetic and chromatin methods such as ATAC‑seq, examine animal protection data, and analyze immune cells from people. They combine unique animal datasets with prior human BCG vaccination data to see which molecular patterns match stronger protection. The aim is to identify vaccine features or immune changes that could guide better vaccine design or choice of BCG strain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults age 21 and older who can provide blood or other immune samples or who are interested in TB vaccine research would be most relevant for participation.
Not a fit: Children under 21 and people seeking immediate TB treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help improve BCG vaccination or guide development of more effective TB vaccines for people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal studies and at least one randomized human BCG vaccination trial have shown strain-dependent immune differences, but linking those differences to consistent protection in people is still unresolved.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cirillo, Jeffrey D. — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Cirillo, Jeffrey D.
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.