Generation of senescence version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the role of infections and inflammation in the generation of immune senescence
IRAS ID
286970
Contact name
Sian M Henson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Aged or senescent cells accumulate in every organ of the body as we get older, including the immune system. The presence of these senescent cells does not have a benign effect on the body; rather they secrete agents that give rise to inflammation that can exacerbate diseases such as type 2 diabetes. T cells, a specific type of white blood cell, are particularly affected by ageing, acquiring numerous defects, some of which resemble those associated with high glucose levels accompanying type 2 diabetes; such as poor control of infections and reduced protection from vaccinations. We have shown recently that people living with type two diabetes have a higher amount of these senescent T cells in their blood. However these aged cells found with diabetes are not the same as 'conventional' aged cells.
The aim of this project is to better define this novel population of senescent T cells that appear with type 2 diabetes. As we have shown that immune ageing is not inevitable but aspects of it are reversible, we will also test whether we can specifically restore function in the senescent T cells found in people living with type 2 diabetes.
People living with T2D will be recruited from the Barts Trust and will be asked for a brief history together with a small blood sample so that we may determine their immune profile. This will last approximately 15 minutes. Community dwelling adults without T2D will also be invited to provide a small blood sample to act as controls. This visit can take place at QMUL or in the home and again this visit should last no more than 15 minutes. The immune profile of individuals wirth and without T2D will be assessed.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/PR/0921
Date of REC Opinion
12 Feb 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion