Why tuberculosis affects men and women differently
Genetic and hormonal mechanisms mediating sex differences in TB and TB-HIV
Researchers are testing whether genes and sex hormones explain why men get tuberculosis more often than women, including people with TB-HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258025 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have TB or TB-HIV, this work looks at whether genes on the X chromosome and sex hormones change how well people fight TB. The team will use patient blood and tissue samples, lab-grown cells, and a special four core genotype (FCG) mouse model that separates chromosome effects from hormone effects. They will compare immune responses and X-linked genes to pinpoint biological reasons for the male bias in TB. Results may suggest sex-specific ways to prevent or treat TB, especially for people living with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with active tuberculosis or TB-HIV coinfection who can provide blood, sputum, or other samples would be the most relevant participants for the human-sample parts of this work.
Not a fit: People without TB or those seeking immediate changes to their medical care are unlikely to receive direct personal benefit from this basic-science focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal why men are more likely to get TB and lead to new prevention or treatment approaches tailored by sex and HIV status.
How similar studies have performed: Prior human observations and animal studies have suggested sex and hormone effects in TB, but combining X-chromosome genetics with the FCG mouse model and human samples is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bishai, William Ramses — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Bishai, William Ramses
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.