Seeking Blood Donors of South-Asian Descent
The Tumour Immunology Group has significant experience in developing cell therapies for patients experiencing viral complications. The common viruses Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, BK polyomavirus and John Cunningham virus are found in the majority of the population and generally don’t cause disease. However, in people who are immune suppressed, they can cause significant clinical issues. This is commonly seen in patients who have received a solid organ or stem cell transplant.
Immunity against these viruses is well characterised in European populations; however, further information is needed on immune responses in people of South-Asian descent. This project aims to expand existing knowledge, to provide the foundation for future therapies to treat people of South-Asian descent who are experiencing viral complications.
Please review the details below if you are interested in participating in this exciting new project.
Eligibility Criteria
Our researchers are requiring 50 participants over the age of 18 who self-identify as being of South-Asian descent, with at least one parent having South-Asian heritage. For the purposes of this study, the term ‘South Asian’ includes people from the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Participants should be based in Brisbane, as they will need to visit a nominated pathology collection centre in Brisbane to provide a blood sample.