Project Grant R21AI190812

Award Summary

Saint Louis University was awarded $192,500.00 through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) on February 13, 2026. The project, titled "Molecular Mechanisms of MCP-1 Polymorphism-Mediated Susceptibility to Pulmonary Tuberculosis Infection," will be conducted through January 31, 2028, at the university's facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The research initiative focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the association between a specific genetic polymorphism (SNP-G at -2518) in the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) gene promoter region and susceptibility to active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) infection.

The project deliverables include laboratory-based research investigating how the SNP-G genetic variant affects MCP-1 transcription and subsequent immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Specifically, the research employs molecular biology techniques—including promoter cloning into luciferase vectors and analysis of luciferase activity in infected cell models—to characterize differential gene expression patterns between SNP-G and SNP-A carriers. The findings are intended to advance scientific understanding of host genetic factors influencing tuberculosis disease progression and may contribute to identifying biomarkers for distinguishing active TB from latent TB infection, thereby supporting NIAID's mission to combat infectious disease threats.