The host factors and mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis in the setting of AIDS as well as in the normal host are poorly understood. The long term objective of this project is to further identify and to characterize host factors that predispose individuals to develop pulmonary tuberculosis. Preliminary data indicate an association of an HLA allele, the HLA-DQB1*0503 class II allele, with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in Cambodia.
Specific Aim 1 will determine whether the same or different HLA alleles are associated with TB progression in a genetically distinct population from South Africa. The TNF-alpha gene occurs in the class III region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and its protein product plays a critical role in the containment of tuberculosis infection. Studies will include the identification of polymorphisms and microsatellites in the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene, and their association to tuberculosis susceptibility.
Specific Aim 2 will characterize the mechanisms of activation of the TNF-alpha gene by mycobacteria. By using the TNF-alpha gene promoter as a target, these studies could define the molecular mechanisms of the activation of this important gene by mycobacteria.
Specific Aim 3 proposes to investigate the genetic and molecular determinants of anergy in the setting of pulmonary tuberculosis.
This aim will investigate whether there is an HLA association with anergy or lack of DTH, and will characterize the cytokine profiles and T cell proliferative responses in anergic pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01HL059838-01
Application #
2541558
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHL1-CSR-H (S1))
Project Start
1997-09-30
Project End
1998-08-31
Budget Start
1997-09-30
Budget End
1998-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
149617367
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215
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Ranjbar, Shahin; Boshoff, Helena I; Mulder, Amara et al. (2009) HIV-1 replication is differentially regulated by distinct clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. PLoS One 4:e6116
Romero, Viviana; Zuniga, Joaquin; Azocar, Jose et al. (2008) Genetic interactions of KIR and G1M immunoglobulin allotypes differ in obese from non-obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. Mol Immunol 45:3857-62
Romero, Viviana; Azocar, Jose; Zuniga, Joaquin et al. (2008) Interaction of NK inhibitory receptor genes with HLA-C and MHC class II alleles in Hepatitis C virus infection outcome. Mol Immunol 45:2429-36

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