Research on how the spleen responds to infections
TIssue Models for Invasive Disease (TIMID)
This study is testing how the human spleen reacts to bacterial and viral infections using tissue samples from patients to help improve treatments for severe infections.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Leicester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leicester) |
| Trial ID | NCT04620824 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research project aims to investigate the early immune responses to bacterial and viral infections using human spleen tissue samples obtained from patients undergoing elective surgery. By utilizing a spleen perfusion model developed from pig organs, the study will analyze how bacteria replicate in spleen cells and how these cells respond to infections. The project will involve ex vivo organ perfusion and infection experiments, with the resulting tissue and cell cultures being preserved for future research on therapeutic interventions. The goal is to enhance understanding of the immune response in humans, which could inform treatment strategies for severe infections.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients aged 18-80 undergoing elective surgery for pancreatic lesions who have spleen tissue available for research.
Not a fit: Patients with acute invasive bacterial or viral infections will not benefit from this study as they are excluded from the surgical procedures involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for severe bacterial and viral diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding immune responses, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The samples included in this project will be from patients undergoing elective surgery in the HPB Unit of the Leicester General Hospital. * Spleen samples from radical surgery are adult age (18-80 years) * Presence of splenic tissue in the discarded material after hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * The main exclusion criterion is acute invasive bacterial and viral infection, but these patients are automatically excluded from major surgery. * Samples from patients treated with antibiotics prior to explant or surgery will not be excluded, but samples will have to be tested for residual antibiotic activity.
Where this trial is running
Leicester
- UHL NHS Trust - Leicester General Hospital — Leicester, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marco Oggioni
- Email: mro5@leicester.ac.uk
- Phone: 0
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.