By InvitationNot Applicable

Social Experiences and Demographic Factors in the Regulation of Immune Cells

United States480 participantsStarted 2025-02-27

Plain-language summary

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases are a health burden for approximately seven percent of the population of Western nations. Preliminary data suggest variations in ethnic identity and/or geography influence discrimination experiences and inflammatory response trends. This study investigates how geography, ethnicity, and laboratory manipulation of discrimination experiences affect immune cell function and genomic regulation. Flow cytometry and immune cell stimulation will test monocytes collected from peripheral blood for functional effects. Next-generation transcriptomics and epigenomics will assess genomic and epigenetic mechanisms. The hypothesis is that geography, self-identified race, and ethnicity, interacting with laboratory discrimination conditions during the virtual ballgame Cyberball™, significantly affect immune cell function through genomic and epigenetic mechanisms, with perceived discrimination as a moderating factor on the immune outcomes. The transdisciplinary nature of the proposed study aims to provide valuable insights into differential susceptibility to immune-mediated inflammatory diseases across diverse populations. Uncovering these insights will better inform population-relevant interventions for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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.

Inclusion Criteria: * Non-Hispanic Black, Non-Hispanic White, or Hispanic * At least 18 years of age * Lives within 25 miles of, works, or attends Morgan State University, The University of Baltimore or Texas Christian University Exclusion Criteria: * Anyone not identifying as either non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, or Hispanic, * Under 18 years old * Does not live within 25 miles of, works, or attends Morgan State University, the University of Baltimore or Texas Christian University

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.

What they're measuring

Frequency of Perceived Discrimination Experiences

Timeframe: Survey response collected before the first Cyberball Sequence within 30 minutes of arriving at the lab) and score calculated during data analysis

Type, Timing and Frequency of Lifetime Discrimination Experiences

Timeframe: Survey response collected within 30 minutes after completing the first Cyberball Sequence and score calculated during data analysis]

Recent Discrimination and Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Score

Timeframe: Survey responses collected within 30 minutes after completing the Second Cyberball Sequence and score calculated during data analysis]

Recent and Lifetime Discrimination Stress Score

Timeframe: Survey responses collected within 30 minutes after completing the Second Cyberball Sequence and score calculated during data analysis

Relationship between salivary and serum immune responses

Timeframe: Samples used in assay are saliva collected at baseline (30 mins before) and 40 minutes after the first Cyberball sequence, and serum is purified from whole blood collected 30 minutes after the first and second Cyberball sequence.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06519487

SponsorMorgan State University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-06-03

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Perceived Discrimination trials