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 #
7R01HL059838-02
Application #
2771662
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHL1-CSR-H (S1))
Project Start
1997-09-30
Project End
2002-08-31
Budget Start
1998-09-01
Budget End
1999-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Immune Disease Institute, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
115524410
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Feris, Edmond J; Encinales, Liliana; Awad, Carlos et al. (2016) High levels of anti-tuberculin (IgG) antibodies correlate with the blocking of T-cell proliferation in individuals with high exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Int J Infect Dis 43:21-24
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Falvo, James V; Ranjbar, Shahin; Jasenosky, Luke D et al. (2011) Arc of a vicious circle: pathways activated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that target the HIV-1 long terminal repeat. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 45:1116-24
Encinales, Liliana; Zuniga, Joaquin; Granados-Montiel, Julio et al. (2010) Humoral immunity in tuberculin skin test anergy and its role in high-risk persons exposed to active tuberculosis. Mol Immunol 47:1066-73
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Zúñiga, Joaquín; Romero, Viviana; Azocar, José et al. (2009) Protective KIR-HLA interactions for HCV infection in intravenous drug users. Mol Immunol 46:2723-7
Stern, Joel N H; Keskin, Derin B; Romero, Viviana et al. (2009) Molecular signatures distinguishing active from latent tuberculosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, after in vitro antigenic stimulation with purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) or Candida: a preliminary report. Immunol Res 45:1-12
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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