Cytokine Production and Immunity to Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) in Elderly Recipients of Zoster Vaccine

July 18, 2017 updated by: Anne A. Gershon, Columbia University

Relationship of Cytokine Production and Immune Responses to Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) in Elderly Recipients of Zoster Vaccine

After immunization, particularly in older persons, some people are protected from disease by a vaccine and others are not. The investigators believe that this variable response may be due to overproduction of molecules that suppress development of immunity (antibodies and cell mediated immunity). Normally, these molecules are produced to make sure that immunity is regulated in just the right way for the body as a whole, and to prevent autoimmune disease.

However, with aging, the immune system may have difficulty in proper immune regulation. Over production of immunosuppressive molecules after vaccination may interfere with the effects of a vaccine. For example when elderly individuals are immunized against zoster with a licensed vaccine, Zostavax, the vaccine is effective in only about 50 to 60%. The investigators will compare blood levels of antibodies, cellular immunity, and immunosuppressive molecules in recipients of Zostavax to see if there is a correlation between development low immunity and high levels of immunosuppressive molecules.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Detailed Description

In order to determine whether there is a relationship between production of immunosuppressive cytokines (such as IL-10) an lower levels of immunity to Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) after vaccination, the investigators will obtain blood samples before and 3-5 times after immunization to determine the immunity to VZV and the levels of certain cytokines. The first blood samples will be obtained before the vaccine is given, as baseline values.

The vaccine being used is the licensed vaccine, Zostavax, which is recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be administered to all relatively healthy individuals over the age of 50. This study does not concern vaccine safety or effectiveness. As a benefit to vaccines, the vaccine is administered at no charge to the subject.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

26

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • New York
      • New York, New York, United States, 10128
        • Vanderbilt Clinic, Columbia University Medical Center

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

60 years to 80 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Relatively healthy people over age 60 who have not had Zostavax previously.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Relatively healthy and over 60 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Having already received Zostavax

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Edlerly Recipients of Zoster Vaccine
Blood samples are collected before and after vaccination in people age 60 or more, who are getting the zoster vaccine as part of their routine health care.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Development of antibodies, cellular immunity, and cytokines before and after vaccination
Time Frame: Up to week 6
Measure antibodies, cellular immunity, and cytokines in blood before and after immunization. Determine if there is any relationship between development of strong immunity and development of cytokine levels.
Up to week 6

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Columbia University

Collaborators

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Anne A. Gershon, MD, Columbia University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

January 1, 2011

Primary Completion (Actual)

March 1, 2012

Study Completion (Actual)

March 1, 2012

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

January 31, 2011

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 1, 2011

First Posted (Estimate)

February 2, 2011

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

July 19, 2017

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 18, 2017

Last Verified

July 1, 2017

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • AAAE1779

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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