MIT Researcher Discovers Key TB Proteins That Could Lead to Universal Vaccine Within Six Years
Summary
MIT researcher Bryan Bryson identifies crucial tuberculosis proteins through groundbreaking immune cell analysis, discovering that type 7 secretion system substrates serve as key vaccine targets displayed in 50% of humans, potentially enabling development of a universal TB vaccine within six years to combat the disease that kills over one million people annually.
Key Points
- MIT associate professor Bryan Bryson develops new measurement techniques to identify tuberculosis vaccine targets by studying how immune cells recognize and kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria
- Bryson's lab discovers that many TB antigens displayed to the immune system belong to type 7 secretion system substrates, with his team identifying TB proteins displayed in about 50 percent of the human population
- The research aims to create a universal TB vaccine that works for nearly everyone, with hopes of beginning clinical trials within six years to combat a disease that kills over one million people annually