# DIETARY DEFICIENCIES AND TUBERCULOSIS VACCINE EFFICACY

> **NIH NIH R01** · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · 1991 · $155,864

## Abstract

Host factors, including malnutrition, significantly impair the protection
afforded by BCG vaccination, currently the only practical means of
controlling tuberculosis world-wide.  The ultimate objective of this
investigation is to determine the mechanisms by which nutritional
deficiencies interfere with tuberculosis vaccine efficacy, and to define
the immunologic defects in cellular and molecular terms.  The specific aims
of this proposal are to examine five hypothetical mechanisms of diet-
induced T lymphocyte dysfunction in a guinea pig model of respiratory
tuberculosis.  A direct effect of protein-deficiency on the thymus will be
assessed by studying thymic architecture, expression of phenotypic markers
of T cell maturity including CD2, and circulating levels of thymulin.  We
will study the impact of protein deprivation on FC gamma receptor-bearing
T cells (T gamma) and their role in down-regulation of anti-mycobacterial
immunity.  An antigen-specific suppressor role for T gamma cells will be
sought in vitro and in vivo.  The antigens utilized will include tuberculin
(PPD) and two recombinant mycobacterial heat shock protein, M. bovis BCG
hsp 65 and M. tuberculosis hsp 70.  Trapping of antigen-reactive
lymphocytes in the bronchotracheal lymph nodes of malnourished, tuberculous
guinea pigs will be investigated by comparing the phenotype and function of
lymphocytes in blood, lymph nodes and thoracic duct lymph, and by examining
the characteristics of lymphocytes capable of trafficking into a pleural
effusion induced by mycobacterial antigens.  The differential effect of
protein deficiency on secondary, but not primary, immunity to infection
with M. tuberculosis will be assessed in experiments designed to
demonstrate the presence and function of memory cells following BCG
vaccination.  Finally, the kinetics and mechanisms of the rapid recovery of
anti-mycobacterial immunity following transfer of malnourished guinea pigs
to a complete diet will be studied, changes in the proportions,
distribution or antigen-specific function of T lymphocytes will be
correlated with recovery of immune function.  Taken together, these
experiments should provide evidence for the contribution of some or all of
these mechanisms in diet-induced loss of BCG vaccine efficacy.  This
knowledge will support a rational strategy for successful vaccination of
malnourished populations against tuberculosis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3126209
- **Project number:** 2R01AI015495-10A1
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HFT7XTHB6563
- **Principal Investigator:** David N. McMurray
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $155,864
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1982-09-30 → 1994-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3126209

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3126209, DIETARY DEFICIENCIES AND TUBERCULOSIS VACCINE EFFICACY (2R01AI015495-10A1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3126209. Licensed CC0.

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