Innate Immunity Study

The Role of Innate Immune Responses, and of Genetic Determinants of Innate Immune Responses, in BCG Vaccination-induced Protection Against Childhood TB

Information:

Type of Study Prospective observational study
Design Case control study
Project Site Western Cape, South Africa
Sample Size total 300 subjects
Population 150 infants protected and 150 infants non-protected by BCG against subsequent TB disease. Blood was collected in at 10 weeks of age and infants will be followed over the first 4 years of life to identify whom have developed TB disease
Study Period 2005-2015

Goal of Study:

We aim to identify immune correlates of vaccination-induced resistance to subsequent TB disease. We now hypothesize that cells of the innate immune system play a central role in inducing this protection. First, we will compare the function of 2 types of innate immune cells, in peripheral blood of protected and of unprotected children: dendritic cells and monocytes, to characterize the function of these cells and focus on recognition and processing of mycobacterial antigens. Second, we will study polymorphisms in genes that a critical for the innate immune response against TB, comparing protected and in unprotected children.

Objectives of Study:

  1. To determine whether innate immune cell function correlates with BCG-induced protection against TB
  2. To assess whether genetic variation within innate immune responses can generate any functional correlates of BCG-induced protection against TB
  3. To characterize the molecular and cellular mechanisms which underlie and functional and genetic findings made in relation to aims 1 and 2