Interferon reference for older people (REFIPA)

Reference Values Determination of Nasal and Blood Interferon Scores in Uninfected Older Subjects REFérence Interféron Older Subjects (Older People Interferon Reference) - REFIPA Study

NA · Hospices Civils de Lyon · NCT07239830

This project will test whether measuring type I interferon responses can help identify active respiratory virus infections in people aged 80 and over.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages80 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospices Civils de Lyon (other)
Locations1 site (Villeurbanne)
Trial IDNCT07239830 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The project will recruit adults aged 80 and older without symptoms of active infection at Hôpital des Charpennes in Villeurbanne to collect blood samples and basic clinical information. Researchers will measure type I interferon levels and related immune markers to define baseline interferon response ranges in this age group. Those reference data will be compared with known patterns of active viral replication to determine whether interferon signals distinguish active from past infections. The goal is to develop a host-based diagnostic marker that complements PCR detection of viral genetic material.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 80 or older who live in the Lyon metropolitan area, weigh at least 45 kg, have no symptoms of active infection, and do not have autoimmune disorders affecting interferon.

Not a fit: People with current symptoms of infection, known autoimmune interferon disorders, those enrolled in conflicting interventional studies, or those living outside the Lyon metropolitan area are unlikely to be eligible or receive benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help clinicians tell whether a detected respiratory virus is actively replicating, reducing missed diagnoses and unnecessary treatments or isolation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that interferon and other host immune signatures can indicate viral infection in younger populations, but building specific reference ranges for very old adults is a relatively novel focus.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subject aged 80 or over
* Patient admitted to the Charpennes hospital day unit or outpatient clinic for follow-up OR accompanying patient who receive care at the Charpennes geriatric hospital OR subject recruited through the local press
* Weight greater than or equal to 45 kg
* Subject living in the Lyon metropolitan area

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with symptoms of active infection (symptom questionnaire or temperature \> 37.5°C).
* Subjects with an autoimmune disease linked to a dysregulated interferon response.
* Subjects participating in another interventional study involving an exclusion period that is still ongoing or that may interfere with the present protocol.
* Subjects deprived of their liberty by judicial or administrative decision
* Subjects receiving psychiatric care
* Adults subject to legal protection measures (guardianship, curatorship)
* Subjects not affiliated with a social security scheme or beneficiaries of a similar scheme

Where this trial is running

Villeurbanne

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Immunosenescence, Uninfected Older, respiratory viral infection, Type I Interferon response, Older People, host-based response diagnostic test

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.