Constitution of a Biocollection on Healthy Volunteers Experiencing Longterm Confinement in the Sub-Antarctic Islands
Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, ANGERS · Jul 3, 2025
Trial Information
Current as of August 22, 2025
Not yet recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying how living for a long time in a very isolated and extreme place, like the sub-Antarctic Kerguelen Islands, affects the immune system—the body’s natural defense against infections. Scientists want to understand how stress, changes in sleep patterns, and living in a confined environment impact the immune system’s ability to fight off illnesses. To do this, they will follow healthy adults who will spend one year living at a remote research station on the islands, collecting samples like blood, saliva, and hair before they leave and every few months during their stay. These samples will help researchers learn how the immune system changes over time in such tough conditions.
People who are healthy, over 18 years old, and part of a social security system may be eligible to join if they will be staying at the Kerguelen station from November 2025 to November 2026. Participants should not be pregnant, have immune problems, or certain medical or legal conditions. If chosen, volunteers can expect to provide biological samples at several points during the year and share information about their health. This study aims to improve our understanding of how isolation and stress affect immunity, which could eventually help people with chronic illnesses or those facing similar stressful situations.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria :
- • healthy people aged \> 18 years
- • Participant affiliated with or benefiting from a social security system
- • Participant has signed informed consent
- • Participant staying as an overwintering member at Kerguelen from November 2025 to November 2026
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • age \< 18 years
- • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman
- • immunocompromised people (primary immunodeficiency, HIV infection or immunosupressive treatment)
- • Person refusing to participate in the study
- • Person with a history of autoimmune disease - -Person deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision
- • Person undergoing involuntary psychiatric treatment
- • Person subject to a legal protection measure
About University Hospital, Angers
The University Hospital of Angers is a leading academic medical institution dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative research and clinical trials. As a prominent sponsor of clinical studies, the hospital leverages its multidisciplinary expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to investigate new therapeutic approaches and improve patient outcomes. Committed to excellence in patient care and medical education, the University Hospital of Angers collaborates with a network of researchers and healthcare professionals to facilitate groundbreaking studies across various medical fields, ensuring rigorous adherence to ethical standards and regulatory compliance. Through its clinical trial initiatives, the institution aims to contribute significantly to the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of effective treatments.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Plouzané, , France
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Charline MIOT
Principal Investigator
University Hospital, Angers
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported