In November 2009, Martin Memorial and the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute Florida announced the first research collaboration between the health system and the life sciences organization.
In June 2010, the two began working on a second study, in partnership with Florida Blood Center. That study was highlighted in a recent article in Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers.
The purpose of the first study is to investigate how the body’s immune cells react to exposure to a viral infection such as the flu, either by immunization or by infection with the virus itself.
In the case of influenza infection the body reacts very quickly. During infection, the immune system produces cells that fight the infection. At the same time, the immune system produces antibodies that are able to protect against future infections from the same infection.
The study of this process will allow researchers to better understand the reaction the body has against the virus. Better understanding of the model for acute phase of influenza infection will be helpful in determining protective strategies and developing innovative vaccine and immune therapies to control flu epidemics, HIV and other chronic infections.
The second study involves the withdrawal of white blood cells from volunteers in a process called leukapheresis, which is somewhat similar to giving blood. Those white blood cells are then sent to VGTI Florida, where scientists can use them in studies involving the human immune system.
More studies could be in the works as well between the two organizations. You can learn more here about other clinical trials available at Martin Memorial, including numerous oncology trials at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center.
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