Hyejeong Hong, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Research Project:
Proteins That Influence How Immune Cells Fight TB and HIV Could Hold Keys to Better Treatment
Grant Awarded:
- Catalyst Award
Research Topics:
- basic biologic mechanisms
- disparities
- immunology immunotherapy
Research Diseases:
- pulmonary fibrosis
- tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), infects over 10 million people each year worldwide. Death rates are higher in people with HIV, especially in resource-limited areas. Even after treatment, TB survivors often suffer permanent lung damage, causing breathing problems and increasing the risk of death. Current treatments kill the bacteria but do not protect lung health, highlighting the need for better approaches that also protect lung health. We will study two proteins, BMP6 and TGF-ß, which influence how immune cells fight Mtb bacteria and how tissues repair themselves. BMP6 may enhance the immune system’s response, particularly in people without HIV, while TGF-ß, elevated in people with HIV, could weaken immunity and worsen lung damage. By analyzing immune cells and genetic data from TB patients in South Africa and Uganda, we hope to find ways to strengthen immunity, protect lung health, and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations, especially those with HIV.
Page last updated: October 29, 2025
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