Deep immunophenotyping in patients with heart failure
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Deep immunophenotyping and functional analysis of leucocytes in heart failure
IRAS ID
330052
Contact name
Ioakim Spyridopoulos
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently. It is one of the most common reasons for emergency hospital admission, and new treatments are needed. Studies have shown that the immune system is “activated” in HFrEF, and that this makes heart function even worse. Unfortunately, no treatment has yet proved effective in treating this. Recent evidence from laboratory studies suggests that immune cells (leucocytes) are especially important in this process, but this has not yet been shown in humans.
We will investigate this by studying leucocytes in 140 people with HFrEF, and 20 people at risk of HFrEF, but who do not have the disease (a control group). First, we will examine each participant’s leucocytes in fine detail, using state of the art technology (spectral flow cytometry). In 80 patients with less advanced HFrEF, we will also precisely measure changes in heart function after 6 months of standard medical therapy, using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRI). This lets us investigate whether leucocytes have an effect on heart function recovery. In laboratory experiments, we will test whether leucocytes from HFrEF patients are more active, and capable of causing inflammation and fibrosis in the heart.
If we show that specific types of leucocytes worsen fibrosis and heart function, targeting them with immune-therapy may improve symptoms and survival in HF patients.
This study will help to strengthen our understanding of the immune system in HFrEF, and help us to design a drug to study in the future.Patients will be recruited from the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This study is funded by the British Heart Foundation.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0121
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion