Understanding how certain T cells help B cells produce antibodies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the Immunometabolism of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in both T helper 1 cells (Th1) and T helper 2 cell (Th2) driven diseases
IRAS ID
343409
Contact name
Jonathan Ellery
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sitryx Therapeutics Ltd
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 4 days
Research summary
B cells are a certain type of white blood cell able to produce antibodies that are a key part of the immune system. Mature B cells that produce one specific antibody are dormant (memory B cells) until the immune system activates them. This can occur in the tonsils, spleen and lymph nodes (termed secondary lymphoid organs). There are specific white blood cells (T follicular helper cells) that are found in these tissues that are involved in this process. We wish to understand the differences between these T cells and those that are found elsewhere in the body which are key to different elements of the immune response. It is known that immune cells can show differences in how they produce energy, proliferate and make components of their cells (their metabolism) dependent upon the environment that they are in, i.e., in secondary lymphoid organs versus circulating blood. By better understanding how these differences affect the function of the immune system it is possible we may identify opportunities where new medicines could be developed that treat human diseases where there is excessive production of antibodies that are causing damage to the human body.
REC name
London - Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0565
Date of REC Opinion
16 May 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion