FNA study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Regulatory T cell dysfunction in chronic liver disease: mechanistic insights and novel therapeutic strategies
IRAS ID
242637
Contact name
Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
In contrast to most other immune cells, which tend to promote inflammation and anti-microbial responses, Tregs have anti-inflammatory properties. Due to their anti-inflammatory capacity, Tregs appear to be beneficial to prevent or improve diseases caused by an excess of inflammation (e.g. liver cirrhosis, autoimmunity, transplant rejectjon). On the other hand, if there is an excess of Tregs this could be harmful as it could hamper the immune system from effectively eliminating infections or cancerous cells. A great deal has been learnt on how Tregs influence diseases by performing experiments in animal models, but much less is known about the role of Tregs in humans. In particular, we do not understand how important Tregs are in human liver diseases. The reason is that the type of Tregs that can be found in blood often differ from those that are present in the liver, where the regulation of inflammation needs to take place. It is essential therefore to clarify the number and function of the Tregs that are present in the liver of patients with liver inflammation. If patients with specific liver diseases were found to have a reduced number or reduced function of Tregs in their livers, then it could be beneficial to administer medications that increase Treg number and Treg anti-inflammatory capacity.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0457
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion