Research project
Title: Mechanisms and clinical relevance of the GM-CSF chemical’s capacity to reverse C5a (complement)-mediated impairment of bacterial killing by neutrophils (white blood cells)
Project timescale: From 01 August, 2011 to 31 July, 2014
(Added to website on: 17 May, 2012 - Date last updated: 30 May, 2012)
Source of funding:
Wellcome Trust
Aims: To increase our understanding of why critically ill patients in intensive care are so susceptible to developing infection that causes significant morbidity and mortality. To focus on the function of neutrophils, our first-line defence white blood cells that destroy circulating bacteria. To find ways of improving neutrophil function in humans.
Research designs used:
Action Research
Other: Laboratory in vitro and ex-vivo research using human blood samples
Methods used to collect data:
Observation
Other (please specify): Clinical outcomes on intensive care
Research project description: Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at high risk of developing hospital infections. White blood cells (neutrophils) that destroy bugs work less efficiently in such patients. We can make these cells work again by adding a chemical (called GM-CSF) in the lab, but we don’t know how GM-CSF works or whether it might help in real patients. This proposal addresses these issues. When GM-CSF works, it probably turns on chemical ‘signals’ inside the white blood cell, which tell the cell to eat bugs more efficiently. I shall determine which chemical signals are turned on by GM-CSF. This will tell us how GM-CSF is working, and should suggest ways of developing new treatments to improve white cell function. I shall also study white blood cells from other patients who receive GM-CSF as part of their medical care. I shall determine whether GM-CSF makes white blood cells eat bugs more efficiently. If it does, the proposal would naturally lead on to clinical trials aiming to see if GM-CSF can prevent hospital infections in the ICU.
Stages at which the public were involved:
Disseminating research
Seeking funding / applying for funding
Other:
Description of public involvement in research stages: We are still in the early stages of this project, but in the planning of the project we involved CritPal. CritPal represents patients’ interests on a number of Trial Steering Groups and takes an active part in ensuring that patients' interests are always considered and safeguarded. CritPal reviewed the project proposal and provided useful insights from a patient perspective that were incorporated into the final draft prior to submission to our funding body, the Wellcome Trust. Feedback from independent reviewers and during the interview process were positive, including the level of public/patient input into the proposal. The Chairman of CritPal is prepared to review the results of this project with the research team (with particular reference to the data generated in ICU), and is prepared to assist in dissemination to the lay ICU community, and to the lay public in general.
Training and support provided for either members of the public or researchers involved in the project: N/A
Examples of ways the public have made a difference to the research project: This section will be updated when the project is completed and we are disseminating the results to the public
Evaluating the impact of public involvement in the research: No
Details of publications or reports resulting from the research: N/A
Links to Reports:
Was/is your project user controlled: No
For further information on the project, please contact:
Dr Jim Macfarlane
Principle Investigator
Newcastle University
Institute of Cellular Medicine
4th Floor, William Leech Building
Medical School
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear
NE2 4HH
United Kingdom
james.macfarlane2@ncl.ac.uk
Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/icm
DISCLAIMER
Each entry has been written by the individual project and although care has been taken in compiling, checking and updating the information on this site INVOLVE and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) cannot guarantee its correctness and completeness. We do not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or expense resulting from the use of this information.
