RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Characterization of Natural Killer Cells in Severe Asthma Patients in Comparison With Control Subjects

This study is investigating Natural Killer (NK) cells, which are important immune cells, in people who have severe asthma. Asthma is a common condition, but for about 1 in 10 people, current treatments don't fully control it, leading to ongoing symptoms and uncomfortable flare-ups, often triggered by viruses. Researchers want to compare NK cells from people with severe asthma to those from healthy volunteers. The aim is to find out if there are specific differences in these cells that could help explain why some asthma is more severe. Ultimately, understanding these differences could lead to better ways to diagnose, monitor, and treat severe asthma in the future, especially for flare-ups caused by viruses like the common cold.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France

Enrolment target

448

Start

07 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2030

Asthma Acute

What is this study about?

Asthma is a very common breathing condition where your airways can get inflamed and narrow, making it hard to breathe. You might have coughing, wheezing, and feel short of breath. While many people manage their asthma well with medicines like inhalers, about 1 in 10 people have ‘severe asthma.’ This means their symptoms continue even with treatment, and they often experience flare-ups, which are periods of worsening symptoms, often triggered by colds or other viral infections.

Our bodies have special defence cells called Natural Killer (NK) cells. These cells are really important for fighting off viruses, and there are many of them in our lungs – a key area for asthma. However, we don't fully understand what NK cells do in severe asthma or how they might be involved when someone has a viral infection that causes an asthma flare-up. This study aims to shed light on this important mystery.

By carefully studying NK cells in people with severe asthma and comparing them to healthy volunteers, we hope to find out if these cells behave differently. If we can spot specific differences or markers, it could help us understand severe asthma better. This understanding might one day lead to better ways to identify different types of severe asthma, predict who might get severe flare-ups, and even develop new, more targeted treatments. We will also look at how NK cells react to common cold viruses in the lab, to see if they play a special role when these viruses trigger asthma symptoms.

Key takeaways

This study is exploring immune cells (NK cells) in severe asthma.
It aims to understand why some asthma is more severe and causes flare-ups.
Participation involves giving a blood sample.
Results could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat severe asthma.
There are no direct personal benefits or new medicines involved.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. We are looking for people with different types of asthma – including those whose asthma is well-controlled, those whose asthma isn't well-controlled, and people currently experiencing an asthma flare-up. We also need healthy volunteers to compare against.

All participants must understand and sign a consent form, confirming they are happy to take part. Unfortunately, we can't include people who are pregnant, people who can't follow the study instructions, or those who have certain legal protections.

For those with asthma, we can't include you if you have another long-lasting inflammatory condition. For healthy volunteers, you shouldn't have any inflammatory conditions or very high levels of a specific allergy marker called IgE. Also, anyone who has recently smoked heavily or used certain pain medications won't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have asthma (controlled, uncontrolled, or currently flaring) or are you a healthy volunteer?
Are you able to agree to the study rules and sign a consent form?
Are you currently pregnant (if female)?
Do you have any other long-term inflammatory conditions (if you have asthma)?
Have you recently smoked heavily or used certain pain medications (in the last 10 days)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement would be quite straightforward. We would take a blood sample from you. This is a standard procedure and doesn't usually cause much discomfort beyond a brief pinch. There are no other visits or assessments required beyond this, and no new medications would be given as part of this specific study. The results from your blood sample would help researchers understand more about Natural Killer cells and their role in asthma. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time it takes to provide this single blood sample, making it a very low-commitment study.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is contributing to vital research that could improve the understanding and future treatment of severe asthma. While there are no direct personal health benefits from this study, your contribution is invaluable. The main risk is discomfort or bruising from the blood draw, which is typically minor and temporary. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital NORD - AP-HM, Clinique des bronches, de l'allergie et du sommeil
Verified postcode
Marseille, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What are Natural Killer (NK) cells?

They are special immune cells, like soldiers in your body, that are important for fighting off infections, especially viruses.

Why is this study focusing on severe asthma?

Severe asthma is hard to treat, and we want to understand why some people's asthma is more severe, hoping to find better solutions.

Will I get any medicine as part of this study?

No, this study only involves taking a blood sample; no new medicines are given.

Will this study help me personally?

While it won't directly change your treatment, your contribution helps scientists learn more, which could lead to better treatments for asthma in the future.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your involvement will be very short, just the time it takes to provide a single blood sample.

How to find out more

Pascal Chanez, PU-PH

pascal.chanez@univ-amu.fr +334.91.96.58.64 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.