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