Lymph node flu & COVID-19 vaccine responses in younger or older adults
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An experimental medicine study of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine immune challenge responses in Lymph nodE single-cell Genomics in AnCestrY and ageing
IRAS ID
328280
Contact name
Katrina Pollock
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance (RGEA), University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study investigates how lymph nodes cells respond to vaccines and how this changes as we age. Older people typically respond less well to vaccines than younger adults, and they are more affected by diseases such as flu and COVID-19, so it is important to understand how age influences the immune system. This will help us develop age-bespoke vaccines for younger and older people.
Lymph nodes are small bean shaped organs present all over the body. After a vaccine is given in the arm, the lymph nodes in the armpit swell in response. Inside the lymph nodes are cells that develop antibody and cells in response to the vaccine. These antibodies and cells protect us from infection after we have had a vaccine.
Lymph node cells can be sampled using a needle under ultrasound guidance. This is called fine needle aspiration (FNA) and it is a well-established test in the clinic; in research it enables direct testing of immune cells. This information will help design future vaccines for different populations, e.g., younger or older people.
All participants in the study will be given an mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine and a seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccines chosen for the study are licensed for use in adults, and the seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for older adults.
The study will recruit 48 adults (24 aged 18-45 years; 24 aged 65 years or above). All will receive receive one dose each of the two vaccines in different arms. FNA will be from both armpits, at 7 or 14 or 28 days and an another FNA for all participants 84 days after study injections (vaccination). Participants will be assessed for eligibility at a screening visit; those eligible to take part will attend a further 7 visits, over 13 weeks. Blood samples will be taken at each visit.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NE/0154
Date of REC Opinion
24 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion