NEFFRA
New study to understand how our immune system changes as we age
We are seeking healthy volunteers to donate blood for our research, which investigates the normal function of white blood cells (neutrophils) in healthy young people and in healthy older people.
White blood cells protect us from infection by micro-organisms such as bacteria. They are also involved in inflammation and are thought to play important roles in causing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. We know that older people are more susceptible to infections as they age, and that the risk of developing inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis increases as we get older. We believe this is because our immune function declines and changes as we age.
In this study we aim to measure how white blood cell function changes as we get older. We intend to study how signalling inside these cells differs in healthy older people compared to healthy younger people, and how cell signalling is impaired in frail older people and people with rheumatoid arthritis.
If you participate in this study you will be asked to visit the University of Liverpool or Aintree Hospital to donate a blood sample (approximately 2.5 tablespoons). This will be taken on one occasion by a trained researcher or nurse. You will be free to withdraw from the study at any time if you wish, without giving a reason, and your travel costs will be re-imbursed. We will not be performing any diagnostic tests as part of our studies.
You can take part in this research if you:
- Are 60+ years of age
- Are fit and active
- Have never been diagnosed with a disease that affects your immune system (e.g. type-I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis)
If you are interested in taking part in this study or want to find out more information please provide your details here and we will get in contact with you.
The University of Liverpool takes the security of your data seriously. Please read this Privacy Notice outlining what will be done with your data.
https://pcwww.liv.ac.uk/~gjones89/Privacy_Notice_Neffra.pdf