Understanding how inflammation affects fear responses in PTSD
Inflammatory Challenge and Fear Extinction: A Model to Enhance Understanding of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
This study is testing how short-term changes in the immune system affect fear responses in people with and without PTSD by giving them a vaccine or a placebo while they listen to sounds.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 288 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06630884 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of short-term immune system changes on fear processing in individuals with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will receive either a typhoid vaccine or a placebo and undergo physiological measurements while listening to sounds, as well as complete psychological assessments. The research aims to uncover how inflammation influences fear responses, particularly in trauma-exposed individuals, to inform future treatments for PTSD. The study is conducted at the San Francisco VA Health Care System and involves four appointments for each participant.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are trauma-exposed individuals aged 25-45, with current PTSD or no history of PTSD.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to the typhoid vaccine or conditions associated with inflammation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for PTSD by targeting inflammation-related mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated that inflammation can affect fear responses, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: All Subjects: 1. Aged 18-60 years old 2. Trauma Exposed 3. Current PTSD/No history of PTSD Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindications to typhoid vaccine 2. Conditions associated with inflammation 3. Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant in next three months
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California
- San Francisco VA Health Care System — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aoife O'Donovan, PhD — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Aoife O'Donovan, PhD
- Email: aoife.odonovan@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 415-221-4810
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.