CUREDIT

A study of immune responses to a contact allergen

University of Oxford researchers are running a study to investigate the immune response to a chemical called Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP). The study will take place at the NIHR Oxford Experimental Medicine Clinical Research Facility at the Churchill Hospital.

If you are aged between 18 and 45 years, in good health, and able to attend regular face-to-face visits, you may be eligible to take part. We will reimburse you up to £760 for your time, travel, and inconvenience. The study will last between 37 and 63 days, depending on the group you are placed in.

You are invited to take part in a study to investigate the immune response to a chemical called Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP). The study is being led by the Translational Pharmacology Group (NDORMS, University of Oxford) and will take place at the NIHR Oxford Experimental Medicine Clinical Research Facility, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE.

If you are aged between 18 and 45 years, in good health, and able to attend regular face-to-face visits at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford, you may be eligible to take part. We will reimburse you up to £760 for your time, travel, and inconvenience. The study will last between 37 and 63 days, depending on the group you are placed in.

Background

Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) is a chemical used in dermatology to treat some skin conditions and to study immune responses. It is applied to the skin in small doses and causes temporary inflammation, similar to a mild eczema reaction. The "immune response" refers to the way your body's defence system reacts to substances it recognizes as unfamiliar or requiring attention, such as this chemical. By studying how the immune system responds to DPCP, researchers hope to develop better tools to understand and treat diseases related to immune system dysfunction.

Purpose of the study

The aim of this study is to investigate how the human immune system responds to applications of DPCP to the skin. This knowledge may contribute to the development of new treatments for conditions where the immune system is involved, e.g. eczema, psoriasis.

Study details

If you are eligible and decide to take part, you will receive DPCP application to the skin (of the thigh, upper arm, and lower back / buttock) on five occasions. You will be required to attend up to eight face-to-face appointments including a screening appointment. You will have blood tests and skin assessments at some of these visits, and on the final visit you will have four punch skin biopsy procedures to assess the immune response.

All visits will take place at the NIHR Oxford Experimental Medicine Clinical Research Facility, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE.

Further information

If you would like to find out more, please read the Participant Information Sheet. If you have further questions after reading this, please contact us on:

Email: translationalpharmacology@ndorms.ox.ac.uk

Phone: 01865611400