IDENTIFICATION OF FUNCTIONAL ANTIBODIES THAT CONTROL MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infects one third of the global population, with 10.2 million new cases of TB and 1.1 million million deaths in 2015. This study aims to identify antibodies that target MTB from people that naturally control MTB infection for use as monoclonal antibody therapeutics. We will also identify the immune signals required to induce these protective antibodies. Ultimately, this study will guide the development of future MTB vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics tools.