Biomarkers of Chronic Immune Activation in Long COVID
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Biomarkers of Chronic Immune Activation in Long COVID
IRAS ID
323605
Contact name
Patrick Short
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sano Genetics
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 25 days
Research summary
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus which resulted in the COVID-19 global pandemic beginning in December 2019. The symptoms of COVID-19 infection are well documented, with many people experiencing these symptoms over a short duration. However, there are individuals who after recovering from the initial COVID-19 infection, have gone on to experience persistent symptoms that have impacted their activities of daily living. This collection of symptoms is now called “Long COVID” or “Post-COVID syndrome”.
People with long COVID have reported a range of symptoms, including fatigue, loss of smell, memory loss, digestive problems, and shortness of breath. Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that 1 in 4 individuals with COVID-19 continue to experience symptoms 4–5 weeks after diagnosis, and approximately 1 in 10 have persisting symptoms after 12 weeks.
Recently, several studies have revealed the possibility of biomarkers showing long-term viral reservoirs that may contribute to long COVID, but researchers will need further investigation to conclusively show a link. Additionally, blood samples from long COVID patients have revealed abnormal results which suggest their immune systems are continuing to behave as if they are fighting an infection. This may point towards a persistent reservoir of SARS-CoV-2, which we will investigate with routine blood tests during this study. Genetic factors may also influence the severity of COVID-19 infection and the subsequent development of long COVID. People lacking genes that encode cytokines known as interferons can be more vulnerable to infectious diseases.
The aim of this study is to collect blood, DNA, nasal fluid, and stool samples from participants that will be used to expand the knowledge on genetic studies and biomarkers to aid in the accurate diagnosis of and development of potential treatments for long COVID.REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0706
Date of REC Opinion
1 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion