Generation of Human Monoclonal Antibodies (Version 1; 01-Dec-2012)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Generation of Human Monoclonal Antibodies
IRAS ID
87001
Contact name
Paul Moss
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
9 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
The primary function of the immune system is to fight off infections with bacteria and viruses and a normal immune function is therefore essential for survival. However, the immune system will also react against cells from another person if they are introduced in a patient’s body. This is most obviously seen after transplantation of an organ such as kidney or liver, in which setting drugs have to be given to suppress the tissue damage that can arise from this response. A similar, although much weaker, reaction is also seen after blood transfusion and it is now known that women who are pregnant also make an immune response to their fetus.
In these circumstances the patient makes a wide range of proteins called antibodies specifically against the foreign cells. These antibodies recognize differences in the shape of proteins found on the foreign cells compared to those on their own cells. These antibodies are of interest for their potential value in medical research and also perhaps as useful reagents for the treatment of patients with certain diseases. Many patients have been identified who have these immune responses as they are monitored to check the strength and breadth of the antibody response.
We seek permission to approach individuals who have been exposed to allogeneic tissue to take a blood sample. From this we will purify the antibody-producing cells and therefore isolate specific antibodies for future use.REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/WM/0440
Date of REC Opinion
7 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion