Grants awarded for studying M. tuberculosis resistant populations

Researchers from Case Western Reserve received grants from the NIH and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to assess Mycobacterium tuberculosis-resistant populations for the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis, according to a press release.

“By focusing on these MTB-resisters, there is the potential to figure out what it is about their natural immunity that keeps them from acquiring and/or resisting MTB infection and to replicate this response with a vaccine to prevent MTB infection,” Catherine M. Stein, PhD, associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Case Western Reserve, said in the release.

Using the $4.15 million funding, researchers will examine the phenotypes and gene expressions of those with and without TB, specifically focusing on the lungs.

“As far as genetic contributions, there are ways to force genes to take action, and it may be possible to turn those genes on or off to resist MTB,” Stein said. “It may be as simple as finding genes that enhance a person’s natural immunity.”

Case Western Reserve, the University of Washington and Uganda-based Makerere University and Mulago Hospital have been involved with identifying populations that show resistance against M. tuberculosis and multi-drug resistant forms of TB for more than 10 years, according to the release. Part of this research included the investigation of environmental and biologic factors along with possible immunologic and genetic influences of M. tuberculosis-resistant participants.

Through international efforts, TB-related mortality fell by about 50% in the past 25 years. It remains, however, as the second-most fatal disease, killing 1.5 million people annually, according to the release.

“Science has made extraordinary gains in the battle against TB, but much more progress is needed,” Stein said. “Existing methods have not proven adequate in developing nations — in particular in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is a major health concern.”