Analysis of immune cells from human tonsils
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of immune cells from human tonsils
IRAS ID
327376
Contact name
Matthew Cook
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to extract a subset of white blood cells called lymphocytes from tonsils, which we will then use to study their normal function. This information will be useful in its own right, but will also provide us with reference information for other studies in which we assess lymphocytes isolated from patients with immune disease.
Tonsils are like lymph nodes and are made up almost entirely of lymphocytes. Humans have many different types of lymphocytes, and some of those present in tonsils are not usually present in the blood. By collecting, processing and analysing tonsil tissue we can isolate healthy cells and compare them to those from people who have immune diseases such as immune deficiency and autoimmunity. In addition, analysis of tonsillar cells provides us with an opportunity to understand cellular interactions that take place during normal immune responses.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0079
Date of REC Opinion
3 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion