Bryan Bryson's MIT Lab Tackles Tuberculosis with Novel Vaccine Approaches
Engineering Solutions for a Global Health Challenge
Bryan Bryson, an associate professor at MIT, leads a research lab dedicated to understanding how immune cells effectively eliminate bacteria, with a particular focus on Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This critical research aims to pave the way for new therapies and vaccines for tuberculosis (TB), a disease responsible for over a million deaths annually worldwide.
The currently available BCG vaccine, derived from a weakened bacterium that causes TB in cows, offers only limited protection against pulmonary TB in adults. Recognizing this gap, Bryson's lab is committed to developing innovative measurement techniques and concepts designed to accelerate the creation of a more effective TB vaccine.
From Engineering to Infectious Disease
Bryson's academic journey began in mechanical engineering at MIT, where he engaged in undergraduate research involving microfluidic devices. His growing interest in cellular behavior propelled him to pursue a PhD in biological engineering, where he delved into the intricacies of cell signaling. Following his doctoral studies, he specialized in infectious diseases, collaborating with Sarah Fortune at the Harvard School of Public Health. During this time, he concentrated on the interactions between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and host cells, recognizing the urgent need for transformative TB solutions.
Unlocking New Vaccine Targets
Since establishing his lab at MIT eight years ago, Bryson's team has made significant strides, developing methods to identify bacterial proteins displayed on the surfaces of infected cells. These proteins are considered prime candidates for a new TB vaccine. The lab's findings reveal that many of these displayed antigens are substrates of the type 7 secretion system.
Research has further demonstrated that the specific type 7 secretion system substrates displayed vary among individuals, influenced by their genetic background. Bryson's lab has successfully identified the relevant TB proteins displayed in approximately 50 percent of the human population through detailed blood sample analysis. Efforts are now actively underway to identify the corresponding proteins for the remaining population, with the ultimate goal of developing a broadly effective TB vaccine.
A Future Focused on Clinical Impact
The team's ambitious goal is to design and test a vaccine, aiming for readiness for clinical trials within approximately six years.
"Tuberculosis is a significant problem that engineering approaches are well-suited to solve."
Bryson views tuberculosis as a challenge perfectly aligned with the problem-solving capabilities of engineering.