[Trinity College Dublin] Researchers Identify Immune ‘Energy Signature’ Linked to TB Protection

28 May 2026

Trinity College Dublin news release

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have identified key differences in how immune cells generate and use energy, a process known as cellular metabolism, in people with latent versus active TB. 

The findings offer new insights into why some individuals control infection while others develop disease.

The study, published in the Journal of Infection, focused on circulating monocytes, key immune cells involved in the defense against TB infection. The researchers found that cells from people with latent TB remain metabolically flexible, allowing them to mount strong antibacterial responses, whereas cells from people with active TB disease show impaired metabolism and weaker responses to infection.

Read the full news release here.

Source: Trinity College Dublin