Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

Deciphering the impact of M. tuberculosis lineages and polymorphisms on the host immune response and clinical characteristics in pulmonary tuberculosis in Eswatini

Award Number: K23AI193258
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/13/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2031

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Deciphering the impact of M. tuberculosis lineages and polymorphisms on the host immune response and clinical characteristics in pulmonary tuberculosis in Eswatini - Project Summary My goal is to become an independently funded expert studying the host-pathogen interactions of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and the human immune system. Tuberculosis (TB) immune phenotypes vary widely among patients, yet how these patterns relate to pathogen characteristics such as Mtb lineage remains poorly understood. Closing this gap could enable a tailored, lineage-informed treatment and targeted use of emerging adjunctive therapies – directly benefiting the growing number of Americans affected by TB, with United States (US) cases rising 8% in 2023. Through goal-directed research, mentorship, and coursework, I will 1) determine associations between Mtb lineage diversity and host immune response and inflammatory patterns, 2) identify the association between Mtb lineages and post-TB lung disease, and 3) correlate Mtb lineage with treatment response. This research is conducted in Eswatini, whose exceptionally high TB burden and rich diversity of all four major Mtb lineages create research conditions unmatched in the U.S. Findings will translate directly to U.S. TB patients, strengthening domestic public health preparedness and protecting American communities as TB case counts and lineage diversity rise at home. To foster my growth as an independent researcher, I have put together a strong mentorship team and robust educational plan, including courses in advanced statistical methods (STAT A610 Advanced Statistical Methods) and immunology (BIOL A471 Immunology). My mentorship team consists of: Dr. Anna Mandalakas, a clinician scientist who has worked for three decades in the global TB field and is an internationally recognized expert in TB epidemiology excelling in the design, implementation and synthesis of translational research projects; Dr. Andrew DiNardo, an expert in immune exhaustion and TB endotypes which are at the forefront of guided host-directed therapy for TB; Dr. Bortz, a scientist with two decades of experience in molecular and systems biology of host-pathogen interactions and over 11 years of experience working in data management for global infectious diseases surveillance and bioinformatics; and Dr. Alexander Kay, a clinician scientist based in Eswatini with tremendous experience implementing clinical, translational, and operational research projects in low middle income, TB high burden countries. My project leverages support from the environments of the Global TB program (Baylor College of Medicine) and the Bortz Pathogenomics Lab (University of Alaska Anchorage), utilizing data collected from an international site (Eswatini) with critical implications for citizens of the United States. The combination of coursework, mentorship, and institutional support will ensure that I master the skills needed to transition to an independent academic career.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $189,159 )
2026	2026	BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1 BAYLOR PLZ	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	8/13/2026	NEW	$189,159
														Subtotal = $189,159

Grand Total All Awards = $189,159

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Deciphering the impact of M. tuberculosis lineages and polymorphisms on the host immune response and clinical characteristics in pulmonary tuberculosis in Eswatini

Award Number: K23AI193258

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/13/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2031

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer