Development of a monocyte assay to predict COVID-19 severity
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a monocyte activity assay to predict COVID-19 severity: A case-control study in men living with overweight and obesity
IRAS ID
324030
Contact name
Derek Renshaw
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Coventry University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 26 days
Research summary
There have been consistent patterns of people living with obesity suffering the worst outcomes with COVID-19: increased disease severity, ICU admission and death. A common feature in this high-risk group is the excessive production of cytokines termed a “cytokine storm”, causing the body’s immune system to overreact manifesting as body wide hyperinflammation. These hyperinflammatory events contribute to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiorgan failure and abnormal clotting which are hallmarks of critical COVID-19 and have unfavourable patient outcomes. A project has been developed, to exploit this excessive cytokine phenomenon in a white blood cell called a monocyte to elucidate a means to predict COVID-19 disease severity. Two cohorts will be recruited, a high-risk cohort comprised of males living with overweight and obesity and a healthy weight male cohort. Body composition of participants will be measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (iDXA) after blood samples will be taken. The blood samples will be purposed for four investigations. (1) Determine changes to the three monocyte groups (classical; intermediate; non-classical) using flow cytometry in a process known as immunophenotyping. (2) Obtain serum to quantify serum cytokine concentrations and other biomarkers e.g CRP. (3) Isolation of participant monocytes, which will be exposed to a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate. The impact of exposure will be monitored through changes to gene and protein expression of key cytokines. (4) Exposure of participant serum to skeletal muscle cells to determine the effects on the structure and function of mitochondria between both groups. The resulting data may enable the identification of individuals who are the most at risk of developing severe or critical COVID-19 due to an existing 'proinflammatory state’ characterised by increased visceral fat, proinflammatory monocytes and serum cytokines paired with hyperactive monocytes after viral exposure.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NW/0154
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion