Immune Cells in Inflammatory Arthritis With Coronaviruses, Including COVID-19
Researchers at the University of Manchester are working on a new blood test to understand how our bodies fight off coronaviruses, like the one that causes COVID-19. This study focuses on people who have inflammatory arthritis. The test aims to find out if someone has developed immunity after being exposed to the virus. Knowing this could help predict who might get sick again, or who might not get symptoms even if exposed. Once coronavirus vaccines are available, this test could also help to see how well they work. To do this, they need volunteers who have previously taken part in other specific studies and are willing to provide a blood sample.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Researchers at the University of Manchester are trying to create a special blood test. This test will help them understand how our immune system – the body’s defence against illness – reacts to coronaviruses, which include the virus that causes COVID-19. They are particularly interested in how this works in people who have inflammatory arthritis, a condition that affects the joints.
The main goal of this project is to figure out if people who have been infected with a coronavirus have developed immunity. Immunity means your body has learned to fight off a specific illness, potentially protecting you from getting it again or making the symptoms much milder. This information could be really important. For example, it might help predict who is less likely to get sick if they come into contact with the virus again, or who might not develop any symptoms at all. This could also help people make decisions about staying safe.
The new test builds on one they've already developed for flu. They're adapting it by using parts of the coronavirus instead of the flu virus to see if it works. Looking ahead, if new vaccines are developed to protect against coronaviruses, this test could also be used to check how effective those vaccines are at triggering an immune response in people.
Key takeaways
- Researchers are creating a blood test to check for coronavirus immunity.
- This study focuses on people with inflammatory arthritis.
- The test could help predict who is immune to future infections.
- It might also help check if future coronavirus vaccines work.
- Participation involves one blood sample and some paperwork.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to meet certain requirements. You must be at least 18 years old.
The study is specifically looking for people who have already been involved in either the BRAGGSS study or the National Repository Healthy Volunteer Study. You must have given a blood sample in one of those previous studies and have agreed that the researchers could contact you about future research. You also need to be able to read and understand written English well.
If you haven't been part of those specific previous studies, or you didn't agree to be contacted for more research, or you can't understand written English well, then unfortunately, you won't be able to join this study.
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?
- Have you participated in the BRAGGSS or National Repository Healthy Volunteer Study before?
- Did you agree for researchers to contact you about future studies?
- Can you read and understand written English well?
- Are you willing to provide a blood sample?
- Do you have inflammatory arthritis?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will be asked to complete a consent form, which explains everything about the study in detail. You'll also fill out a short registration slip and a questionnaire. The main part of your involvement will be providing a blood sample. This will be a single blood draw, where about 40ml of blood (roughly three tablespoons) will be collected. There are no further visits or assessments required after this initial sample collection.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of ManchesterVerified postcodeManchester, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is the study trying to find out?
It's trying to develop a blood test to see if people have immunity to coronaviruses, including the one that causes COVID-19, especially in those with inflammatory arthritis.
What is immunity?
Immunity means your body has learned to fight off a specific illness, so you might not get sick again or your symptoms could be much milder.
Do I have to do anything special to prepare?
No, there are no special preparations needed for this study. You just need to provide a blood sample.
Will I get paid for taking part?
The information provided does not mention any payment for participation in this study.
What happens to my blood sample?
Your blood sample will be used by the University of Manchester team to develop and test their new immunity test for coronaviruses.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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