The Immuno AMD Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A clinical study evaluating biomarkers of immunosenescence in the progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
IRAS ID
295029
Contact name
Andrew Lotery
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
12009, HTA Licence Number: University of Southampton (Research); 15/NW/0932, Ethics Approval Number: Manchester Eye Tissue Repository (ETR); 374/02/t, Ethics Approval Number: Analysis of the role of inflammation and HLA genotype in age-related macular degeneration
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Rationale:
Several studies to date have shown that the general decline of immune system health with age, termed immunosenescence, has a negative impact on a wide range of neurological diseases, specifically those that can progress at a slow or fast rate. This is strikingly similar to the slow or fast progression seen in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive retinal disease that results in the loss of central vision.Aim of the study:
We aim to demonstrate that markers of immunosenescence can be detected in blood components of patients at different stages of AMD, and that there is higher expression of these markers in patients at the more advanced stages of AMD. This includes those patients with features of AMD that have been associated with faster progression.Method of investigation:
We will recruit 60 patients (at different stages of AMD, and those without the disease) to this clinical study to discover markers of immunosenescence using blood samples and an exquisitely sensitive detection method called TMT proteomics. We will analyse whether markers of immunosenescence are expressed by specific components of the immune system, and on eye tissue samples that have been donated by AMD patients to an ethically-approved eye tissue research biobank. Furthermore, we will analyse a large group of stored blood components at Southampton from patients with AMD to see if detection of these markers can be replicated with a simple test.Benefits to patients with macular disease:
The identification of markers of immunosenescence specific to AMD would help diagnose the condition with a simple blood test before patients develop the advanced form of disease. It would allow patients to know if their condition is likely to progress slowly or quickly. It may mean we could target treatments or follow up of patients more effectively than is currently the case.REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0195
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion