RecruitingObservational

ImMUnologiCal memOry to reSpirAtory viraL infection in the airways

Common chest viruses such as the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, especially in older adults. While current vaccines protect against severe disease, they do not always stop infections from starting inside the nose and lungs. Researchers at Oxford and Liverpool want to understand how the immune system defends our breathing passages after an infection. This study involves adults aged 18 to 85 who recently tested positive for a respiratory virus. Volunteers will provide blood samples, gentle nose swabs, and have a routine camera check of their breathing tubes, known as a bronchoscopy. These tests will show how immune cells in the airways react over time compared to cells in the blood. Taking part lasts between 5 and 12 months. The findings could help scientists design new vaccines, such as nasal sprays, that stop viruses right where they enter the body.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

200

Start

15 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Duration of natural and hybrid immunity in response to various viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and influenza in the nose and airways

What is this study about?

Respiratory viruses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19 affect millions of people across the UK every year. Although our current vaccines are very good at keeping people out of hospital, they mostly build up protection in our bloodstream. They are often less effective at creating long-lasting protection directly inside our nose, throat, and lungs, which is where airborne viruses first arrive.

This study aims to discover how our airway defences work after catching a common chest virus. Scientists know that special immune cells remain inside the lungs for months after an infection clears. By studying these local immune cells, researchers hope to learn how to trigger the same powerful, lasting protection using new types of vaccines, such as nasal sprays.

The research is being led by teams at the University of Oxford and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. By looking closely at how immune cells change over time across different age groups, the team hopes to pave the way for next-generation vaccines that can stop respiratory viruses from spreading in the community.

Key takeaways

Looks at how the nose and lungs remember respiratory viruses like flu and COVID-19.
Open to adults aged 18 to 85 who recently had a confirmed respiratory viral infection.
Involves blood tests, nasal swabs, and a camera test of the airways (bronchoscopy).
Does not test any new drugs or experimental vaccines.
Aims to help scientists design future nasal spray vaccines that stop infections early.

Who may be eligible?

To join the study, you must be between 18 and 85 years old and in generally good health. You need to have had a recently confirmed respiratory viral infection—such as COVID-19, flu, RSV, or a common cold virus—verified by a swab test within the last eight weeks.

Because the study involves looking inside the breathing tubes, you must not have any serious or uncontrolled medical conditions that would make this procedure unsafe. You should be fluent in English to discuss your health with the research team, and you must not be taking part in another clinical trial involving medications or extra procedures.

If you could become pregnant, you will need to agree to use effective contraception and take pregnancy tests during the study. You will also need to agree to pause blood donations while taking part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged between 18 and 85 years old.
I have had a confirmed respiratory virus (like flu, RSV, or COVID-19) in the past 8 weeks.
I am in generally good health without severe uncontrolled breathing problems.
I am comfortable having blood tests, swabs, and a camera check of my breathing tubes.
I am willing to pause donating blood while I am involved in the study.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part lasts between 5 and 12 months, depending on which part of the study you join. Everyone who joins will attend clinic visits where researchers will take blood samples and gentle nose swabs. You will also have a test called a bronchoscopy about five weeks after your infection. During this test, a doctor passes a thin, flexible tube with a camera down your nose or throat into your lungs to collect fluid and cell samples.

After about four months, you will return for further blood tests and nose swabs. You may then be invited to continue into an extended follow-up group. This involves checking your airway immunity again after 9 to 12 months, or sooner if you catch another chest virus. No trial drugs or experimental medications are given during this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part will not directly improve your own health or protect you from future infections, but your participation helps scientists develop better vaccines for the future. The main procedure, a bronchoscopy, can cause mild discomfort. Afterward, some people notice a sore throat, runny nose, mild cough, or slight chest ache, which usually settles within a few days. The study team will monitor you closely throughout every visit. Joining is entirely your choice, and you can change your mind and leave the study at any time without giving a reason and without it affecting your standard NHS care.

Locations (3)

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Approximate
Liverpool, England
University of Oxford
Approximate
Oxford, England
John Radcliffe Hospital
Approximate
Oxford, England

Common questions

What is a bronchoscopy?

It is a standard medical test where a doctor passes a thin, flexible tube with a camera into your breathing passages to safely collect small fluid and cell samples.

Will the bronchoscopy hurt?

Local anaesthetic spray is used to numb your throat and nose to make you comfortable. You might feel a tickle or an urge to cough, and you may have a mild sore throat afterwards.

Will I receive a new medicine or vaccine?

No. This is an observational study looking at your body's natural immune response. You will not receive any trial medications or experimental vaccines.

Does taking part cost anything?

No, taking part is free. The study team will also be able to explain how reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. Taking part is entirely voluntary. You are free to withdraw at any stage without it affecting your normal medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Reyna Sara Quintero Barceinas

sara.quinterobarceinas@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.