Acute Mild Psychological Stress and Immunity Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Effect of Acute Mild Psychological Stress Upon Immunity in Young and Older Adults Version 1
IRAS ID
148191
Contact name
Arne Akbar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Psychologically stressful events are often associated with increased susceptibility to infections, particular in older adults, and our research aims to identify the causes for this link. Stress is commonly related with extremely unpleasant situations, such as bereavement, but frequently stress is caused by mundane and mildly arousing activities, such as everyday performance at work or home. This study will investigate the effects of mild psychological arousal on immune function, in particular T cell immunity. These blood cells provide immunological defence against infections. We will characterise the capacity of the immune system to respond to a challenge (e.g. an infectious agent) in blood taken from volunteers during a psychological mildly arousing activity, compared to resting blood samples. Specifically, we will investigate T cells that provide protection against common viruses such as Varicella Zoster virus (VZV), which causes chicken pox and shingles and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which can cause glandular fever. We will compare the immune changes brought about by mild stress in young and old individuals.
Healthy community dwelling adults will be invited to provide a small blood sample so that we may determine whether they have immune responses to the viruses. This visit can take place at University College London (UCL) or in the community. Responders to the viruses will be invited to complete the psychological stress session that involves a math task, and completion of questionnaires to establish mood and anxiety. Blood samples will be taken via cannula; one at baseline prior to starting the task, one during the task, and a third after a recovery period. This visit will last approximately 100 minutes and will take place within UCL. The immune protective response of the blood during stress will be compared to resting samples and difference between young and old individuals will be assessed.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1616
Date of REC Opinion
24 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion