ERA4TB Granuloma-Like Structure (GLS) and Host-Pathogen Interaction (HPI) Assays
The granuloma-like structure (GLS) and host-pathogen interaction (HPI) assays are in vitro platforms that model how Mycobacterium tuberculosis behaves inside a human immune-cell environment, rather than in isolation. They allow the consortium to screen and prioritise candidate compounds and combinations for how well they act against bacteria in a setting that resembles a genuine TB lesion – including within macrophages and structures that mimic granulomas – before compounds progress to animal studies.
Relevant publications
- Griego A, Douché T, Gianetto QG, Matondo M, Manina G. RNase E and HupB dynamics foster mycobacterial cell homeostasis and fitness. iScience. 2022;25(5):104233. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2022.104233
- Toniolo C, Dhar N, McKinney JD. Uptake-independent killing of macrophages by extracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis aggregates. The EMBO Journal. 2023;42(9). doi:10.15252/embj.2023113490
