Positive mood and the immediate immune response: A pilot study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study investigating the immediate immune response post induction of positive mood in older adults
IRAS ID
260364
Contact name
Kavita Vedhara
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Title: - What is the immediate immune response to an induction of positive mood (by watching a purpose build video) in older adults.
Our immune system is responsible for fighting infections and preventing disease. Vaccines are given to boost our immune system by trying to prevent us suffering with a particular illness if we are exposed to it. However, unfortunately vaccines are not always effective, especially in the elderly. This is because over time our immune system can become weaker and less able to mount a quick and effective response to infection.
Research has shown that positive mood on the day of flu vaccination in over 65s has been shown to increase its effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to help identify how this happens. Before we can fully understand this mechanism, we need to start by understanding how positive mood effects the initial immune response (innate immunity). Once we know how this happens, we can find out how it interacts with the next part of the immune system (adaptive immunity) to form antibodies, which prevent illness. Identifying this mechanism will help us move forward with developing treatments to boost our immune system and prevent disease. This study will look at the effects of positive mood on components of the innate immune system.
Approximately 10-20 older adults who meet the eligibility criteria, will attend their GP practice on two separate occasions, one week apart. Both visits will involve having a series of small blood samples taken via a cannula at different time points. One visit will involve watching a 15 minute video and the other will involve no video. Each visit will last no more than one hour.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0777
Date of REC Opinion
9 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion