Autophagy and Metabolism in Autoimmunity
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Role of Autophagy and Metabolism in Autoimmunity
IRAS ID
168841
Contact name
Alexander Clarke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 27 days
Research summary
We have previously demonstrated that in the often severe autoimmune disease lupus (SLE), lymphocytes show signs of metabolic stress, with activation of an emergency energy source known as autophagy (self-eating), in which a cell breaks down its own substance to be used for fuel. We propose that as a consequence of this stress, the normal safety mechanisms that stop lymphocytes from recognising and attacking our our tissues are bypassed, leading to disease. Targeting cell stress may thus lead to new therapeutic agents for autoimmune conditions.
We aim to study the state of autophagy and metabolism in lymphocytes from patients with SLE and rheumatoid arthritis, using additional blood collected during their routine clinical care. We will be collecting samples on a prospective basis over 2 years to provide cells for analysis. All patients meeting recognised diagnostic criteria for SLE or rheumatoid arthritis identified during clinic attendance will be invited to participate, but there will be some exclusions if there has been a recent change of treatment which could affect results. Samples will be anonymised after recording basic clinical data. In addition to studying cells, we will also collect and store DNA to look for a genetic basis for our results. We anticipate that most cells will be analysed immediately and not stored, but in some cases it may be necessary to freeze cells for later analysis. Once the study finishes, if a further ethics application to use retained material is not made, it will be destroyed. The project is funded by the Wellcome Trust, and is recruiting in Oxford and Birmingham.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
15/WS/0049
Date of REC Opinion
3 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion