SRI International, an independent, nonprofit research and development institute, is seeking healthy fraternal and identical twin pairs of a variety of ages to participate in a National Institutes of Health-sponsored study to develop more effective flu vaccines.
All volunteer participants will receive the licensed, approved seasonal influenza vaccine that will also be given to the public this flu season. Volunteers of the following ages are currently needed:
-- 8-17 (with parent or guardian registration and approval)
-- 18-30
-- 40-49
-- 70-100
The Stanford University School of Medicine-led research study, conducted by Mark Davis, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology, and Cornelia L. Dekker, M.D., professor of pediatrics, will examine the immune system's response to immunization against influenza -- commonly known as "the flu."
Researchers will also investigate markers and mechanisms that can be predictors for immunological health. The study presents researchers with an opportunity to determine how individual responses to the vaccine vary as a function of age and genetic factors.
Fraternal and identical twin pairs are a valuable resource to science, and have helped researchers identify genetic and environmental sources of variation in a number of health-related conditions. Gary Swan, Ph.D., director of SRI's Center for Health Sciences, which includes the Twin Research Registry? at SRI International, is partnering with the Stanford team to interpret the results of the twin pairs who receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
"Twin research studies have provided important genetic clues to a variety of health issues, from heart disease to diabetes and nicotine addiction," said Dr. Swan. "We are pleased to work together with Stanford researchers on this important study and to speak with twins about this opportunity to get a free flu vaccine and help scientists develop a better understanding of how the body responds to the vaccine at the same time."
Volunteers can join the Twin Research Registry at SRI International (www.sri.com/twin), a valuable science resource that reflects the diverse population of the region. The registry was established in 1995 by SRI's Center for Health Sciences, and currently includes more than 2,600 twin registrants. Registry members have participated in studies focusing on the pharmacokinetics of nicotine, metabolism of commonly used medications, genetic susceptibility to cancer-causing chemicals, and sleep patterns in young twins. |
