Biomarkers help to speed up the development of a tuberculosis vaccine

What is it about?

Host biomarkers are different molecules we can detect in the human organism (which is the host of M. tuberculosis, the pathogen causing tuberculosis). These molecules are produced by us and include RNA, proteins and metabolites, and we can measure them in blood, urine or other tissues. Individuals with tuberculosis show changes in their biomarkers: some of these molecules may disappear, others will show an increased abundance. This allows us to monitor the progress of disease as well as treatment, and in some circumstances even make prognosis about the future course the disease may take. Hence, it is helpful also for clinical trials of vaccines.

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Why is it important?

Tuberculosis is a global threat with almost a third of the world population infected with the bacterium and causing over 1.5 million deaths every year. However, an effective vaccine against TB is still needed. Vaccine clinical trials are costly and host biomarkers may help to increase their effectiveness and lower their cost.

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