University of Massachusetts Amherst Professor Alissa Rothchild is leading a team in research focused on tuberculosis (TB), a deadly lung disease that still affects millions worldwide. With a recent $2.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, Rothchild’s team will study TB’s early stages, specifically focusing on alveolar macrophages, a type of white blood cell found in the lungs.
TB, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a major global health concern, with over 10 million cases reported annually. The disease primarily affects the lungs and can lead to symptoms such as cough, fever, weight loss, and fatigue. In severe cases, TB can be fatal if left untreated.
Rothchild’s research aims to better understand how TB develops in the body, particularly at the cellular level. Alveolar macrophages play a crucial role in the immune response to TB, as they are responsible for engulfing and destroying invading bacteria. By studying these cells, Rothchild hopes to uncover new insights into how TB evades the immune system and establish potential targets for future treatments.
The team’s findings have the potential to have a significant impact on the field of TB research and could lead to the development of new therapies for the disease. Through their dedicated work, Rothchild and her colleagues are striving to make a difference in the fight against TB and improve outcomes for those affected by this devastating illness.
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