The role of B lymphocytes in autoimmune skin disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of the role of B cells in the pathogenesis of cutaneous autoimmune disorders.
IRAS ID
306413
Contact name
Thomas Tull
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kings College London (Research and Innovation)
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Background:
B cells are a type of white blood cell that produce antibodies that fight infections but also play an important role in autoimmune skin diseases where the immune system attacks the bodies own tissues. Immunobullous disorders and cutaneous lupus are autoimmune skin conditions in which B cells are known to play an important role.
Little is known about the types of B cells that reside in normal and inflamed human skin, or their exact role in causing inflammation. There are many different types of B cells which differ in their function. This project will use cutting edge research techniques to visualise B cells within the skin and to advance our understanding of the role of these cells in autoimmune skin conditions.
Methods :
Skin and blood samples will be requested from patients attending Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) with autoimmune skin disease as well as inflammatory skin diseases where B cells do not play a role so that we can compare them. Normal skin will be requested from healthy individuals and patients having skin surgery for cancer or plastic surgery where excess skin is removed to aid surgical reconstruction of the wound. Blood samples will also be requested from these participants as well as healthy volunteers. Skin sections and stored serum already taken for diagnostic purposes will also be used. Skin and blood samples will be analysed to identify the different types of B cells and antibodies present along with the proteins and genes that they express. This will allow us to quantify the types of B cell present, their interaction with other immune cells and their genetic profile. All data collected will be anonymised, used for the purpose of this study only, and analysed by the research team adhering to strict national/international standards of privacy, security and confidentiality.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/WM/0141
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion