By targeting certain proteins present in the human cells, the scientists from DZIF and from University Hospital Cologne can help treat tuberculosis. It is believed that these proteins assist the tuberculosis bacteria in causing destruction. The results of this study are published in the journal of Nature Communications.
Tuberculosis treatment still entails the intake of several antibiotics over a period of many months and is torturous for many patients. The pathogen's increasing multidrug resistance additionally complicates this lengthy treatment, and side effects frequently lead to a discontinuation of treatment and high mortality rates. Developing alternative treatment approaches is therefore of critical importance. DZIF scientists from the University Hospital Cologne are working on immunotherapy that supports antibiotic treatment. In their current study, they were able to identify a new target protein in human immune cells, which can inhibit the bacteria's destructive effects.
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More than 8 lakh tuberculosis patients registered under Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) benefitted so far under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, said Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State Health and Family Welfare.
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‘In this study, the scientists were able to identify a new target protein in human immune cells, which can inhibit the bacteria's destructive effects. This alternative approach aid antibiotics in treating Tuberculosis.
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Jan Rybniker from the University Hospital Cologne and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) explains the goal of the research work, "If we can support antibiotic treatment with immunotherapy, the duration of treatment would be shortened, which in turn would reduce secondary complications." The scientists are on a quest for drugs that are able to inhibit tuberculosis-induced cell death (necrosis) and the consequent destruction of lung tissue. In contrast, to directly targeting the bacteria with antibiotics, this treatment is host-directed and hence combats the consequences of infection without targeting the pathogen directly.
The starting point for the investigations are corticosteroids, a group of hormones that have been successfully used as adjuncts to tuberculosis treatment for decades, e.g., dexamethasone. However, until now, their precise mechanism of action has not been known. "We have now been able to show that corticosteroids inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced cell death which may support the healing process," says Rybniker.
![Drug-resistant Tuberculosis and High Mortality Rate]( "Drug-resistant Tuberculosis and High Mortality Rate")
The capacity of tests which have thus far been recommended by the WHO must be improved to make the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis more effective.
The scientists used cell biology investigations to elucidate the precise mechanism of action for the effect of steroids. A protein called p38 MAP kinase, which increases the release of inflammatory hormones and induces cell death, plays a central role in this pathway. "We have identified a new target protein in this kinase, which we can inhibit with active agents," says Rybniker. Numerous p38 MAP kinase inhibitors have already been tested in clinical trials on rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and chronic lung diseases. The DZIF scientist is certain, "These substances could now also be used for tuberculosis treatment."
The Cologne researches now intend to use high-throughput screening to find further substances that can inhibit tuberculosis-induced cell death by blocking the above-mentioned kinase. In collaboration with the Research Center Borstel, these substances will subsequently be tested further in animal models. In doing so, the scientists hope to discover new paths in immunotherapy.
Source: Eurekalert
Drug-resistant Tuberculosis and High Mortality Rate
The capacity of tests which have thus far been recommended by the WHO must be improved to make the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis more effective.
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The scientists used cell biology investigations to elucidate the precise mechanism of action for the effect of steroids. A protein called p38 MAP kinase, which increases the release of inflammatory hormones and induces cell death, plays a central role in this pathway. "We have identified a new target protein in this kinase, which we can inhibit with active agents," says Rybniker. Numerous p38 MAP kinase inhibitors have already been tested in clinical trials on rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and chronic lung diseases. The DZIF scientist is certain, "These substances could now also be used for tuberculosis treatment."
The Cologne researches now intend to use high-throughput screening to find further substances that can inhibit tuberculosis-induced cell death by blocking the above-mentioned kinase. In collaboration with the Research Center Borstel, these substances will subsequently be tested further in animal models. In doing so, the scientists hope to discover new paths in immunotherapy.
Source: Eurekalert
Vitamin D Could Aid In Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment
Vitamin D could speed up the clearance of tuberculosis in patients who are suffering from its multi-drug resistant form, finds a new study.
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 Urine-based Tuberculosis Screening Saves LivesScreening all hospitalized patients with HIV for tuberculosis (TB) using urine tests would improve life expectancy and be cost-effective in Malawi and South Africa. | Advertisement
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