EMILE Version 1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    EMILE - Evaluation of the effect of Microbial dysbiosis upon anti-viral Immunity in bronchiEctasis

  • IRAS ID

    330984

  • Contact name

    Justin Garner

  • Contact email

    j.garner@rbht.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    The lung ‘microbiome’ is the entire population of micro-organisms, bacteria, fungi, and viruses that reside within our lungs. Patient with chronic lung disease including bronchiectasis (a condition characterised by abnormally dilated airways) show outgrowth of certain bacteria within their microbiome. We do not know whether this outgrowth is just a consequence of the disease or if, by upsetting the immune system, these bacteria actually contribute to development and progression of the disease. Patients with chronic lung disease including bronchiectasis are also prone to developing infections by viruses that lead to acute symptom flare-ups ('exacerbations') and whether specific microbiome compositions can increase susceptibility to exacerbations is unknown.

    We will use new sensitive techniques to characterise the microbiome in bronchiectasis and relate the changes we observe to progression of the disease and frequency of exacerbations. . It is anticipated pilot data from this study will improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these processes and assist with targeted drug development.

  • REC name

    London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    23/PR/1158

  • Date of REC Opinion

    14 Dec 2023

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion