CMV Modulation of the Immune System in ANCA-associated Vasculitis
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
2017-09-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in
ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients can be effectively and safely reduced using an
antiviral agent (valaciclovir) and whether this in turn improves the function of the immune
system thereby also improving the body's ability to fight other infections.
The primary hypothesis is that repeated episodes of CMV reactivation in AAV patients drive
the expansion and functional impairment of CMV-specific T-cells, with increased
susceptibility to infection. Inhibition of CMV replication with valaciclovir will block
further stimulation of CMV specific T-cells and increase the functional capacity of the
immune system.