Story perspectives

New Intranasal DNA Vaccine Shows Promise Against Drug-Resistant TB

4/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers developed an intranasal DNA vaccine targeting drug-tolerant tuberculosis persisters by combining two genes to boost immune responses.
In mouse studies, the vaccine accelerated bacterial clearance and reduced lung inflammation.
Primate studies showed durable immune responses, but further work is needed before human trials.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggests the vaccine could complement existing TB treatments and address drug-resistant strains.

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Story summary

Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers developed an intranasal DNA vaccine targeting drug-tolerant tuberculosis persisters by combining two genes to boost immune responses.
In mouse studies, the vaccine accelerated bacterial clearance and reduced lung inflammation.
Primate studies showed durable immune responses, but further work is needed before human trials.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggests the vaccine could complement existing TB treatments and address drug-resistant strains.