TEMPEST

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  T Cell Determinants of Protection and Pathogenesis in Tuberculosis.

• IRAS ID

  350274

• Contact name

  Mahdad Noursadeghi

• Contact email

  m.noursadeghi@ucl.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University College London

• Duration of Study in the UK

  7 years, 11 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  Tuberculosis (TB) is the disease caused by infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). This study aims to evaluate how part of our immune system called T cells helps protect against TB or contribute to disease. The results are expected to provide new evidence that will help design of new vaccines, predict risk of disease, and development of new treatments for those with disease.
  The study is observational and does not impact on clinical care. Potential participants will be identified through NHS services if they are found on routine screening tests to have experienced Mtb infection. The study aims to recruit 200 individuals who agree to participate, including at least 50 people with TB, or recipients of antimicrobial treatment for Mtb, or people living with HIV infection well controlled by antiviral treatment.
  Participants will undergo skin tests for T cell responses to Mtb known as the tuberculin skin test (TST), which has been widely used in clinical practice for many years. Two TSTs will be performed at different sites, typically one on each forearm. T cell responses will be measured at each site one week later, by obtaining a small skin biopsy at one site, and generating a small suction blister from which individual cells can be collected on the other site. These procedures have been found to be safe and acceptable in previous research studies. Participants will also be asked to provide blood samples at three scheduled time points, and to consent for recall to provide additional blood samples in order to undertake detailed laboratory experiments to study the mechanisms by which immune responses can impact on growth or clearance of Mtb.
  

• REC name

  London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/LO/0118

• Date of REC Opinion

  3 Mar 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion