ANVIL
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding Autoreactive B cells and Neutrophils from patients with ANCA-associated Vasculitis (AAV): survival factors and Interactions of effector Lymphocytes.
IRAS ID
290425
Contact name
Raashid Luqmani
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford / Clinical Trials and Research Governance
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV), is an inflammation of blood vessels which leads to serious harm in many parts of the body, including the kidneys and lungs. Current medical treatments are not always successful and may be followed by relapse or harmful side effects. The aim of this study, is to increase our understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in response to treatment with the purpose of developing new more effective treatment in future.
ANCAs are produced in the body by B cells, which normally produce valuable antibodies to destroy bacteria or viruses, to fight infections. However, for some reason, in patients with vasculitis, B cells produce ANCAs which attack our own organs such as the blood vessels, kidneys and lungs. The diagnosis of AAV is helped greatly by finding ANCAs in the patients’ blood in most cases. We will study blood samples taken prior to the patient receiving definitive treatment for their newly diagnosed or flaring vasculitis to look at the B cells and the neutrophils.
Patients who are requiring treatment for their vasculitis with strong therapy (cyclophosphamide or rituximab) would usually attend hospital in order to receive infusions of treatment to control their disease. We will take samples from them and perform a clinical assessment of them when they attend for their first and second treatments and then at a final study visit to coincide with either their last treatment (if they receive 13 weeks of treatment) or at any time between 13 weeks and 26 weeks after completing treatment (if they receive 2 weeks of treatment). Each patient will be attending for infusions over a period of 2-13 weeks as part of standard care. There are 3 study visits per patient.
If patients have had a biopsy as part of their standard care we will ask permission to use leftover tissue for the study.REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0355
Date of REC Opinion
12 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion