Human samples in laboratory research
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigations with human samples to design and optimise laboratory assays and support vaccine and drug development
IRAS ID
242165
Contact name
Helen McShane
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
20 years, 10 months, 17 days
Research summary
Infectious diseases account for approximately 15 million deaths across the age spectrum in humans each year. Of these, over two million alone are the result of tuberculosis (TB) or HIV. In addition to the loss of human life and productivity, infectious diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth disease and African Swine Fever can lead to devastating losses in livestock and the destruction of farming economies. In addition, infectious pathogens are linked with up to 25% of cancer-related deaths in some countries. With the increasingly global nature of travel and economics, as well as the emergence of new disease pathogens, the ability to respond to worldwide disease crises in a sophisticated and rapid fashion has never been more urgent.
The Jenner Institute and Oxford Vaccine Group investigators work to both develop new vaccine candidates against infectious diseases and cancer-causing agents and to conduct extensive basic science that advances our understanding of these pathogens and how they interact with human and livestock immune systems to cause illness, thus enabling us to better combat them.
A critical component of basic science research is the optimisation of existing techniques and the development of new tests. This study will involve taking blood and other human tissue samples from, healthy, adult UK volunteers for the development of new laboratory techniques and the refinement of existing methodology. Investigations may also include animal research and laboratory research including animal material. These investigations will all aid researchers at OVG and The Jenner Institute to produce cutting edge solutions to problems of human and animal health.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0415
Date of REC Opinion
21 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion