Early Antiviral Responses to Rhinovirus Infection in Asthma (NCT05050903) | Clinical Trial Compass
UnknownNot Applicable
Early Antiviral Responses to Rhinovirus Infection in Asthma
United Kingdom40 participantsStarted 2022-08-11
Plain-language summary
The bulk of the morbidity and mortality related to asthma is during periods of acutely increased symptomatology called 'exacerbations'. Roughly half of asthma sufferers experience such an exacerbation each year. Most of these events are triggered by viral infections, usually the common cold virus (rhinovirus).
A key part of the body's defence against viral infections is to produce antiviral proteins called 'interferons', which have a myriad of effects to stop viruses. Previous work on cells taken from volunteers with asthma and healthy controls and infected with rhinovirus in the lab suggests interferon production is impaired in asthma. However when human volunteers with asthma are infected with rhinovirus, high levels of interferon are found a few days later - along with high numbers of virus. Whether the high virus numbers are the result of an initially weak interferon response, with subsequently unchecked viral replication leading to exaggerated interferon levels, is unknown as no one has measured interferons early in infection.
By infecting volunteers with asthma and healthy controls with rhinovirus at a known time, only done in a handful of centres worldwide, we will be able to measure interferons within hours of infection and well before symptoms develop.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 55 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
For Asthma group:
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 18-55 years
* Doctor diagnosis of asthma
* Previous asthma exacerbation
Exclusion Criteria:
* Smoking history over past 12 months
* Sinonasal disease, including current symptoms of allergic rhinitis
* Asthma exacerbation or an upper respiratory viral infection within the previous six weeks
* Current or concomitant use of oral steroids, monoclonal antibodies or nasal sprays
* Neutralising antibodies to rhinovirus (RV)-16
* Clinically significant diseases other than asthma which, in the opinion of the investigator, may either put the patient at risk because of participation in the study, influence the results of the study, an/or the patient's ability to take part in it
* Inability to understand written or verbal information in English
For healthy control group:
Inclusion Criteria:
• Age 18-55 years
Exclusion Criteria:
As for Asthma group and in addition:
• History of asthma
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.