Why tuberculosis bacteria survive and recover after antibiotics
Molecular basis of antibiotic resilience in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Researchers are working to find how TB bacteria recover after antibiotic treatment so people with tuberculosis can get more reliable cures.
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-11384274 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers discovered a bacterial behavior called antibiotic resilience where Mycobacterium tuberculosis bounces back after antibiotic exposure. They will use genetic data, lab-based structure-function experiments, and treatment models to map the bacterial regulatory network behind this resilience. The team will analyze bacterial genomes and test how specific genes and protein structures affect recovery after antibiotics. Findings aim to point to new ways to prevent relapse or improve existing TB treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active pulmonary tuberculosis or those who have relapsed after antibiotic treatment may be candidates to provide bacterial samples or be involved in related studies.
Not a fit: People without active TB infection or those with unrelated respiratory conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drugs or tests that reduce relapse and improve cure rates for people with tuberculosis.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic and molecular studies have previously found useful drug targets in TB, but the specific mechanism of 'antibiotic resilience' is a newly identified and largely untested target.
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: Fortune, Sarah — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Fortune, Sarah
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.