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TBRU Summary September 20, 2018 ANIMAL MODELS • Development of a Novel and Robust Model for LTBI in non-human primates (NHPs) - Project 3 A novel model for evaluating treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) in the NHP has been developed. In this model, weekly isoniazid plus rifapentine (INH/RPT) was used to mirror the treatment regimen used among patients in the DeKalb cohort described above. Manuscript preparation is ongoing. The model should prove highly valuable in assessing new and shorter regimens for the treatment of LTBI in humans. • Development, optimization and validation of a rabbit model of latent TB. • Development of the C3H mouse model to study immunopathogenesis. • The two strongest areas are TB drug development and implementation of improved therapies to shorten TB chemotherapy with work on rabbit and mouse models but with an interest in their applications to human treatments. The second major area is that of developing better animal models as work on the rabbits provides a different perspective than work on the mice. It is clear from looking at the human situation that there is great variability and each of the animal models reflects some aspect of that. • TBRU supplement funding has supported the successful development of a new guinea pig model of dietary vitamin A deficiency and metformin treatment through projects led by Brendan Podell. • Development of paucibacillary mouse models for TB.