Clinical Research Directory

Lung Immune Challenge Study: Controlled Exposure to Inhaled Resiquimod (R848)

Respiratory viral infections can be a cause of significant illness, particularly in vulnerable individuals as seen in the COVID-19 pandemic. An underactive or overactive immune response can lead to ineffective resolution of inflammation after an infection, especially in people with airway diseases such as asthma. A better understanding of immune responses to infection that does not rely on cell or animal models is crucial to help develop better treatments for lung inflammation. An established method of studying inflammation in humans is through careful and controlled exposure (or "challenge") with a mimic of a virus to simulate an infection in a similar manner to that of a virus, but with the advantage of not causing an infection. The investigators have already developed a well-tolerated mimic of human viral infection using a sterile substance called Resiquimod (or R848). Since it does not contain living organisms there is no possibility of being infected. This has been used previously as a nasal spray to cause a mild short-lived inflammation that mimics a mild cold. This has been used safely in a range of people of different ages including those who have asthma. There are differences however in how the nose and lungs respond to viral infections. This is particularly true in those with airway diseases such as asthma, who have cells in the airways of their lungs that respond in a different way to inflammatory triggers (such as viruses). The current study aims to build on previous research by developing a new approach of studying inflammation in the lungs using a small volume of Resiquimod. This will be done by gently inhaling a fine mist through a mouthpiece into the lungs. Blood and phlegm samples would then be collected to assess inflammation and how well people tolerate the procedure.

Fermented Milk Drink With Lacticaseibacillus Paracasei Strain Shirota Helps Triathletes With Cold-Like Symptoms Before and After a Race

This study aims to evaluate whether a fermented milk drink containing the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LCS), commonly found in Yakult®, can help reduce upper respiratory symptoms in triathletes before and after competition. Athletes often experience cold-like symptoms due to physical stress, intense training, and immune system challenges. The study investigates whether daily consumption of this probiotic drink can help improve immune response and reduce the incidence or severity of symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or coughing. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study involving healthy adult triathletes. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the probiotic drink or a placebo for a specific period before and after a triathlon event. Symptoms and health markers will be tracked through questionnaires and biological samples. The goal is to explore whether probiotic supplementation can provide practical, non-pharmacological support for athletes' immune health and well-being during intense physical activity.

Multi-Strain Probiotic Supplementation, Salivary Immunity, and Upper Respiratory Symptoms in Trained Athletes

This completed external pilot study assessed the feasibility of conducting a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of four-week multi-strain probiotic supplementation in trained athletes. Participants were allocated to receive either one probiotic capsule containing 20 billion colony-forming units or a matched rice-flour placebo capsule daily for 28 days. Feasibility measures included recruitment, retention, supplementation adherence and completion of daily monitoring records. Preliminary biological and symptom outcomes included salivary secretory immunoglobulin A and upper respiratory symptom burden. The findings were intended to inform the design of a future definitive randomised controlled trial and were not intended to provide a definitive assessment of efficacy.

Neutralizing Power of Serum Antibodies - 2

Severe forms of COVID-19 and Monkeypox affect immunocompromised and comorbid individuals. Vaccination and monoclonal antibody therapies induce neutralizing antibodies. This neutralizing power is recognized as a correlate of protection against a new infection. This study aims to describe the neutralizing power of serum and nasal antibodies over time, in relation to SARS-CoV-2 and MPXV vaccines or treatments received.

To Evaluate Mucosal and Systematic Immune Response to Acute Respiratory Tract Infections of South African Children

The goal of this observational study is to answer a few questions about respiratory tract infections in South African children: 1. How do children with COVID-19 and other respiratory (chest, throat, ear or nose) germs show symptoms? What signs should be looked for, and which children are more likely to get seriously ill? Are there any new germs that haven't been discovered yet? Can immune cells in saliva predict which children will get more severe disease? 2. The body's immune response (soldier- cells) in blood and saliva (spit) will be studied. 3. What is the short-term effect of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses/ germs on the breathing (lung function) of children? 4. What is the impact of respiratory germs on the quality of life in children and their families? The investigators aim to recruit a minimum of 250 children with respiratory pathogens.