TBScience 2020: working towards better vaccines, new drugs and diagnostics for TB

The urgent need to prioritise tuberculosis basic and translational science led to the establishment of the first stand-alone TBScience programme at the 49th Union World Conference on Lung Health in The Hague.

The event gained momentum at last year’s Union World Conference with the global launch of the results of the Phase IIB of the M72/AS01E tuberculosis (TB) vaccine trial. This year TBScience 2020 was incorporated into the main programme of the virtual conference.

Focusing on TB transmission, infection and disease, with emphasis given to the development of better vaccines, new drugs and diagnostics for TB, TBScience 2020 brought together scientists from microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology, epidemiology and mathematical modelling.

Highlights included:

• The results from a first TB biomarker guided clinical trial was reported and discussed in the context of TB risk and targeted interventions.
• The role of innate trained immunity in the context of BCG vaccination
• Review of the emerging role of antibodies in TB was also reviewed.
• Vaccination with intravenous BCG protects SIV+ macaques from tuberculosis
• A panel discussion on the correlates of risk versus protection moderated by Barry Bloom, of Harvard University and featuring Thomas Scriba of the University of Cape Town and Ann Ginsberg of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Opportunities and Risks: Using therapeutic TB vaccines to improve cures and shorten treatment for active disease, with Gavin Churchyard.

View all TBScience2020 sessions on demand until 30 Nov