ARISE - BCG
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Anti-inflammatories to Reverse Immune Senscence in the Elderly (ARISE) - BCG
IRAS ID
209967
Contact name
Mahdad Noursadeghi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
As people get older, changes in the immune system lead to more frequent infectious diseases and less benefit from vaccination. The aim of this study is to identify how age affects the immune response to Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination. BCG is an effective vaccination against tuberculosis and works by using a weakened version of a bacteria called Mycobacterium bovis which is closely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis.
We will carry out our investigation by comparing the expression of immune response genes in skin biopsies from the site of BCG vaccination in participants below 25 years and above 60 years who have not previously received a BCG vaccination. After giving consent a blood sample will be collected to check the participant has had no previous exposure to BCG or tuberculosis. Once this is confirmed participants receive one BCG vaccination in each arm. One vaccine injection site is biopsied two days later and the second vaccination site is biopsied 14 days later. Immune responses in blood samples are also measured before vaccination and at the time of each skin biopsy. The data will be used to extend our understanding of age related changes to the immune system that may be amenable to therapeutic targeting to decrease risk of infection and improve vaccine efficacy.REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1254
Date of REC Opinion
25 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion