ATTACCK study; T-cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in staff & CKD patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The ATTACCK Study: Anti-viral T-cell immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare staff and Chronic Kidney Disease patients
IRAS ID
291009
Contact name
Alison Whitelegg
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
COVID-19 is a new infectious disease caused by a recently discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. It is caused by a type of virus called a coronavirus, which are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to the more severe diseases such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
COVID-19 causes infection in the lungs, which can then attack blood vessels in the lungs and other organs to spark off an inflammatory process that can make a person very ill. Several research studies have shown antibody responses are either not detected, or temporarily present; especially in patients suffering mild infections. Interestingly, in 2003 another coronavirus outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-1, demonstrated a similar trend. Here, research portrayed that another immune branch, called cell-mediated immunity, which is governed by T-cells, elicited anti-viral protection against this virus. Consequently, limited research has now shown the existence of T-cells specific to COVID-19.At time of writing, MHRA has licensed a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech) for human-use.
Therefore, we need to investigate both the presence and functionality of these T-cells in COVID-19 infected individuals, such as healthcare staff and renal chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. In this study, we aim to measure the exact numbers of SARS-CoV-2 T-cells in all participants. Furthermore, we want to clarify if these T-cells are present in individuals, with low or undetectable antibodies, to SARS-CoV-2 and individuals with weakened immune system; such as CKD patients. Additionally, vaccination responses from a T-cell perspective, will be evaluated and compared alongside natural infection.
Further objectives include to scrutinize if these cells can be activated upon SARS-CoV-2 re-exposure, and if they produce factors which are responsible for anti-viral elimination. We envisage that the experimental findings will provide evidence of sustained anti-viral protection against SARS-CoV-2.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0029
Date of REC Opinion
31 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion