DYNAMICS

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Dynamic Analysis of Monocyte Immune and Cell Death Circuits in Sepsis

• IRAS ID

  327367

• Contact name

  Ben Creagh-Brown

• Contact email

  bencb@surrey.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  130442533, Purchase Order Number

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 9 months, 14 days

• Research summary

  Sepsis affects approximately 200,000 individuals annually in the UK, with a mortality rate near 20%. It arises when the body's response to infection damages its own tissues and organs. The inflammasome, a protein complex crucial for inflammation control and infection defence, is central to the body's immune response. Dysfunctional inflammasomes can lead to inadequate or excessive immune responses, both potentially harmful.

  Our research, "Analysis of Inflammasome Dysregulation in Sepsis" (AID-Sepsis), investigates the inflammasome's behaviour in sepsis patients, focusing on the role of interleukin-18 (IL-18). IL-18 can be beneficial in fighting infections but may cause detrimental inflammation if unregulated. We hypothesise that early sepsis stages characterized by insufficient IL-18 production correlate with higher mortality, while excessive IL-18 levels later in the disease could similarly increase death risk.
  The study will analyse blood samples from sepsis patients to measure inflammasome activity and IL-18 levels. This research aims to identify how IL-18 modulates the immune system to help it combat infection, avoiding harm while combating infection. For this purpose, participants will have blood taken and analysed, according to the study schedule. They may also have blood analysed from samples already taken as per clinical requirements, excess to clinical need.

  By enhancing our understanding of the immune system's interaction with sepsis, the AID-Sepsis study supports national health priorities to improve sepsis care and may lead to innovative treatments, potentially saving lives and enhancing recovery quality. This research represents a significant step towards new therapeutic strategies targeting the complex dynamics of the immune response in sepsis.
  

• REC name

  London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/LO/0331

• Date of REC Opinion

  12 Aug 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion