Evaluation of T cell driven immunity in post viral syndromes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Study to evaluate the role of T cell driven immunity and dysfunction in symptoms associated with Long COVID, Lyme Disease and Myalgic Encephalomelitus
IRAS ID
342415
Contact name
Nigel McCracken
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Virax Biolabs
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 28 days
Research summary
Post-viral syndromes are a wide range of complex conditions involving physical, cognitive, emotional and neurological difficulties that vary in severity over time. These conditions frequently lead to a sense of tiredness and weakness, pain, difficulty concentrating and headaches that linger after the viral infection has cleared. Symptoms may continue for weeks, months or longer. Various microbial and viral infections are possible trigger factors for post-viral syndrome, including SARS-COVid, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus, enteroviruses, HPV, Lyme disease and Zika among others.
The diagnosis of these conditions can be very difficult with sufferers often neglected by healthcare systems where they cannot identify a definitive diagnosis and treatment strategy. T-Cell dysfunction is a broad term that has been used to describe the response of T-Cells to chronic antigen stimulation and has been documented following numerous infections. Post-Viral Syndromes and other chronic conditions linked to dysfunctions of the immune response (Long-Covid, ME/CFS, Lyme Disease, etc.), such as a persistent cytokine response in addition to T-cell dysfunction.
As part of the clinical non-observational study we would like to obtain blood samples from individuals experiencing symptoms associated with post Viral syndromes to help develop T cell assays to help with the early diagnosis of these different post viral syndromes. We would like to employ a hybrid approach to obtaining blood samples through engaging either NHS groups (GP surgeries, research groups) or providing an ambulatory visiting service (research nurse to visit individuals). At the time of the visit we would take blood as well as ask the individuals to fill in a self-assessment questionnaire and history of post viral syndrome).REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
24/WS/0127
Date of REC Opinion
16 Sep 2024
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion