Project Grant DP2AI200598

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport $442,500 on August 11, 2026, under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to support research on the essential functions of alveolar epithelial cells in tuberculosis pathogenesis.

The research addresses mechanisms of tuberculosis-associated lung damage. The project investigates how Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection compromises alveolar epithelial cell function, leading to loss of epithelial integrity and chronic respiratory complications in TB survivors. The work will examine which alveolar epithelial cell functions are crucial for epithelial integrity in vivo, identify metabolic drivers of epithelial destruction in infected lungs, and test whether alveolar epithelial cells can be metabolically reprogrammed to restore epithelial integrity. Preliminary studies indicate that JHU083, a glutamine metabolism inhibitor, reduces lung bacterial burden in infected mice and increases stemness marker expression in alveolar epithelial progenitor cells.

Performance of work occurs in Shreveport, Louisiana. The period of performance runs from the award date through July 31, 2031. The assistance type is a Project Grant, which supports competitive research proposals addressing infectious disease research priorities through NIH's standard review process.