Randox

Commercial

Kenneth Martin

OFHS240112

There are many elements that contribute to a balanced immune system. These include different cell types, chemical signals and influences. There are many parts of this system which can go wrong. New ways of testing genes and a person’s wider environment can help us to understand the parts which may be treated to help restore balance. To this end we aim to: 1. Define groups of people with immune issues within the study cohort 2. Identify a series of genetic signatures involved with immune function 3. Develop new screening tests to help find the origin of immune defects 4. Define external factors related to either risk or resilience 5. Define further testing pathways based on genetic analysis The immune system has vital roles: to stop invading pathogens (germs) and to help repair injured tissues. At times the immune system does not respond as it should to germs. In others, it attacks healthy tissues causing harm. These errors can impact quality of life, causing infection, autoimmune disease, and cancer. There are over 100 different such diseases affecting all parts of the body. Together these conditions impact around 5% of the population. In every cell are our genes, an instruction code for how we build ourselves. Certain changes in this code can change how the immune system works. Studying genes and our surroundings can help us to understand each person’s immune system. Finding the cause of immune system errors will direct the right actions to help it work again. This project will inform how we can make low cost tests for finding these errors. Taking action before these diseases develop will improve lives for all affected, now and in the future.

In this project, the link between genes and immune function will be examined at a new scale. The wealth of information in the Our Future Health resource can be mined to give us a new insight into these links. We will use state-of-the-art genetics to examine immune function at a personal and population level. Genetic risk scores from this work will be useful tools for screening. Though some with high risk show no signs of immune disorder and may be protected, others with symptoms have a cause that is not genetic, but may link to the environment. These cases can focus future analysis of blood samples using new markers to find the true root cause of symptoms. At Randox, we deliver low cost genetic analysis at scales from point-of-care to busy labs. Randox also offers a wide range of ways of detecting and following diseases as they appear. This project with boost the development of new analysis tools for key genes, new ways of choosing treatments and finding who will benefit most. Together, these will tailor effective treatment plans and ease the suffering of those living with immune disease.

Public Health Research

22/05/2024

TRE