Study of Humoural Immunity in Schizophrenia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Study of Abnormal Humoural Immunity in Archived Samples from Patients with Schizophrenia
IRAS ID
296333
Contact name
Jun Wei
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the Highlands and Islands
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Several lines of evidence suggest that dysfunction of the immune system is likely to play a role in the development of schizophrenia. Normally, the immune system produces antibodies to facilitate an immune response against targets such as bacteria and viruses. In schizophrenia, however, there are increased levels of antibodies which generate responses against proteins from our own body, or against other harmless stimuli such as food or gut bacteria. A large genetic study of schizophrenia highlighted changes in genes that may control immune function, particularly in antibody-producing cells, raising the possibility that there may be problems with antibody responses in schizophrenia. In this study we will analyse 1060 archived blood samples from people with schizophrenia and healthy people without schizophrenia. The proposed study aims to detect antibodies in the blood, which recognise peptide sequences derived from self-proteins, wheat gluten, gut bacteria and pre-existing antibodies for COVID-19. The data being generated in this study will be able to identify new immunogenic targets in schizophrenia and examine the relationship between antibodies associated with schizophrenia and genetic controls of immune function. Ultimately, the proposed study will contribute to better understanding of the causes of schizophrenia and lead to the development of tests to identify a subgroup of patients who may respond to personalized therapies that target an altered immune pathway in schizophrenia.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0858
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion