Award
NIH Reporter #5R37AI167750-04
Genetic and hormonal mechanisms mediating sex differences in TB and TB-HIV
Recipient
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
Award Amount
$813,838.00
Ceiling
$813,838.00
Awarded
January 23, 2026
Identifier
5R37AI167750-04
NIH funded research project investigating genetic and hormonal factors underlying sex differences in tuberculosis and TB-HIV co-infection, using animal models and human samples to understand immune response differences.
Description
This project aims to define the biological mechanisms of the male bias for TB to enhance understanding of TB pathogenesis and immune responses. The study will investigate the impact of genetics (X chromosome complement) and sex steroid hormones on TB using cellular tools, animal models, and human samples. It will utilize the four core genotype (FCG) mouse model to differentiate the impact of genetics from sex steroids. The project will explore gene escape from X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) as a potential cause of the male bias in TB severity, and dissect the role of sex steroids like testosterone and estrogen in immune modulation. Additionally, the intersection of HIV infection and sex differences in immunity will be assessed using samples from people living with HIV.