# Defining age-associated immune correlates of susceptibility to M. tuberculosis

> **NIH NIH P01** · TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · 2020 · $378,075

## Abstract

The elderly have the highest tuberculosis (TB) case rate compared to other age groups and are the most 
susceptible group for TB-associated death. However, we do not yet understand the specific mechanisms by 
which persistent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection impacts the aging immune system or conversely, 
how aging contributes to the progression of latent M.tb infection to active disease. The goal of the current 
project is to determine the impact of aging and inflammaging on T cell control of M.tb in mice. Similar to 
humans, mice become more susceptible to developing primary TB or to reactivation of latent M.tb as they grow 
older. Thus, the aged mouse model is a good model for understanding basic principles of TB infection and 
immune control in the elderly. Our preliminary data show an enhanced inflammatory signature in the lung and 
circulation of old M.tb infected mice, and that senescence-associated immune parameters of T cells are 
elevated in M.tb infected mice as they age. To fully address both primary infection and reactivation of TB in the 
elderly, the following Aims will be performed. Aim 1: Determine the impact of inflammaging on susceptibility of 
old mice to infection with M.tb. Aim 2: Determine the role of senescence mediators on persistent M.tb 
infection. At the completion of these studies we will have provided mechanistic information on how 
inflammaging and immune senescence impact M.tb infection. This information is likely to be essential for 
understanding and managing TB disease in the elderly.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9884707
- **Project number:** 5P01AG051428-05
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** JOANNE TURNER
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $378,075
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2022-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9884707

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9884707, Defining age-associated immune correlates of susceptibility to M. tuberculosis (5P01AG051428-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9884707. Licensed CC0.

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