NCT03394053 · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
The Mechanistic Biology of Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders
What this study is about
Background: Primary immunodeficiency disorders, or PIDs, are diseases that weaken the immune system. This makes it easier for a person to get sick. Some PIDs are mild and may not be diagnosed until later in life. Other kinds are severe and can be identified shortly after birth. Researchers want to learn more about PIDs by comparing data from relatives and healthy volunteers to people with a PID.
View original scientific description
Background: Primary immunodeficiency disorders, or PIDs, are diseases that weaken the immune system. This makes it easier for a person to get sick. Some PIDs are mild and may not be diagnosed until later in life. Other kinds are severe and can be identified shortly after birth. Researchers want to learn more about PIDs by comparing data from relatives and healthy volunteers to people with a PID. Objective: To learn more about PIDs, including their genetic causes. Eligibility: People ages 0-90 with a PID or their healthy biological relatives the same ages Healthy volunteers ages 18-75 Design: Participants will be screened with a medical history, physical exam, and HIV blood test. They may have a pregnancy test. Participants may repeat the screening tests. Blood taken at screening will be used for genetic tests and research tests. Participants will be told test results that affect their health. Some blood will be stored for future research. Adult participants with a PID may have a small piece of skin removed. The area will be numbed. A small tool will take a piece of skin about the size of a pencil eraser. Researchers may collect fluid or tissue samples from PID participants regular medical care. They will use them for research tests. Participants with a PID will have 3 follow-up visits over 10 years (for infants, 2 years). Visits will include a physical exam, medical history, and blood draw. Participants with a PID and their relatives will be called once a year for 10 years. They will talk about how they are feeling and if they have developed any new symptoms or illnesses. ...
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Subjects must meet one of the following 4 criteria:
- Patients (age 0-90 years) with a clinical diagnosis of a form of PID (either known or unknown). PID is defined by laboratory and/or clinical findings on two or more occasions that are consistent with a defect in innate or adaptive immunity. Specific PIDs are defined by the International Union of Immunological Societies guidelines. These subjects must also be willing to undergo genetic testing and to allow their biospecimens to be modified into iPS cells. Women of childbearing potential, or who are pregnant or lactating, may be eligible. The volume of blood collected for research purposes will be reduced, and no skin biopsies will be performed for research purposes in consideration of their safety.
- Infants identified at birth with positive newborn screening for SCID and confirmed to have T-cell lymphocytopenia. These subjects must be willing to undergo genetic testing.
- Biological relatives (age 0-90 years) of a subject who meets criterion 1a or 1b but who do not have a PID themselves. All relatives must be willing to undergo genetic testing. Women of childbearing potential, or who are pregnant or lactating, may be eligible. The volume of blood collected for research purposes will be reduced in consideration of their safety.
- Healthy volunteers (age 18-75 years) who are not related to another study subject, who do not have a PID, whose weight is greater than 110 pounds, do not have a history of any heart, lung, or kidney disease, or bleeding disorders, do not have a history of viral hepatitis (B or C), and have a negative HIV screening test.
- All subjects must be willing to allow their samples to be stored for future research.
Exclusion criteria
- Subjects with secondary causes of immunodeficiency are excluded from this study. Secondary causes of immunodeficiency include HIV infection and immunodeficiency that is deemed to be secondary to chronic use of immunosuppressive medications or chemotherapeutic agents.
- Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, contraindicates participation in this study.
Where
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Bethesda, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations