Genetic Determinants of the Antiviral Immune Response in Oceanian Populations

Launched by INSTITUT PASTEUR · May 22, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking into how genetics may affect the immune response to viral infections, specifically dengue fever, in populations from Oceania, particularly the Melanesians. Dengue fever has been a significant health issue in New Caledonia, and researchers want to understand why Melanesians seem to be more affected by it. The study aims to explore the immune responses of Melanesians and European populations to dengue and identify the genetic factors involved. They will also investigate whether saliva can be used as a simple way to check for dengue exposure in these communities.

To participate in this study, you must be an adult who identifies as either Melanesian or European and not currently experiencing a fever. You should also be in good health and not have participated in another clinical trial in the last six months. Participants can expect to provide consent and undergo assessments related to their immune response. This research is important as it may help uncover why certain groups are more vulnerable to viral infections and could lead to better prevention strategies in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult
• • Non-febrile
• • Self-declared member of the Melanesian or European community
• • Having given consent to participate in the study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • People who have taken part in a clinical study in the last 6 months in which they were exposed to a health product as part of the investigation (pharmaceutical product or device or placebo).
• • People taking part in an ongoing clinical study
• • People declaring themselves to belong to two communities (e.g. people of mixed European and Melanesian descent)
• • Pregnant and breast-feeding women (in whom the immune response could be modified)
• • People with a long-term medical condition (as defined by the French social security system) that could have an effect on the immune response, excluding dengue risk factors prevalent in New Caledonia such as diabetes, overweight/obesity and hypertension.
• • Individuals with an acute infection (viral, bacterial or fungal) within 3 months of inclusion.
• • Chronic administration (for more than 14 days) of immunosuppressants or treatments affecting the immune system in the 6 months prior to inclusion. For corticosteroids, this corresponds to a dose equivalent to 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent for more than two weeks (inhaled or topical steroids are permitted).
• • Administration of a vaccine within 3 months prior to inclusion.
• • Administration of blood products or immunoglobulins within 3 months of inclusion.
• • People with known allergies to antibiotics, which could have an impact on the in vitro culture of PBMCs in the presence of antibiotics
• • Persons not intellectually capable of answering the questionnaire
• • Persons under guardianship, curatorship or any other legal incapacity