Investigating the development of Bregs in healthy humans
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Defining stimuli that influence the differentiation, stability and plasticity of regulatory B cells.
IRAS ID
193603
Contact name
Claudia Mauri
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are characterised by chronic inflammation which, if left untreated, can result in damage to the tissues and organs of patients. Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are a special type of white blood cell that produce large amounts of anti-inflammatory molecules. We have previously shown using mouse models of autoimmune diseases that Bregs can protect against damage caused by inflammation, and that Bregs derived from humans also have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, exact stimuli and underlying molecular mechanisms that lead to the development of Bregs remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate what signals lead to Breg development in humans. To do this we wish to analyse around 200 blood samples over the next four years and eight months. The blood samples would be purchased directly from the NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) service based in Colindale from fully anonymized donors who have already given consent to the NHSBT that their samples can be used for research purposes. The blood samples would be processed at the Rayne Building, UCL, where our research group already performs these procedures on a routine basis. For some experiments we will send samples to our collaborators based in the Centre for Molecular Medicine in Vienna, Austria, where they will perform and analyse Next Generation Sequencing experiments. This knowledge could open up novel therapeutic avenues for RA or SLE patients.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0306
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion