Relationship of B cell function and stroke outcome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Defining effect of stroke on plasma biomarkers of B cell function and relationship with outcome
IRAS ID
159247
Contact name
Barry McColl
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Infection is one of the most common complications affecting patients in the days and weeks after a stroke. It is associated with poor short-term survival and long-term recovery. There is currently no treatment that could be used to prevent an infection from developing. Stroke patients are at higher risk of infection due to problems with swallowing (dysphagia) and immobility but these risks do not fully explain the rate of stroke-associated infection. There is growing evidence that the stroke itself can cause a dampening down of the immune system which could contribute to the increased vulnerability to infection after stroke.
Previous studies have largely focused on the role played by the white blood cell within the immune system and their response to infection after stroke. However, preclinical (animal) studies undertaken by our group has highlighted a problem with antibody production after stroke. Antibodies are made by B-cells in response to the presence of bacteria (antigens). These cells are essential as a defence from common infections after stroke. The aim of this study is establish if this B cell production is also affecting in humans following a stroke.
By retesting stored blood samples obtained from stroke patients and healthy volunteers, we can establish if B-cell production is altered after stroke and whether this affects recovery. This may potentially lead to new, targeted treatment for the prevention of stroke-associated infection.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/1117
Date of REC Opinion
8 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion