Screening for LID Clinical Studies Unit Healthy Volunteer Protocols

The high morbidity and mortality associated with both pandemic and seasonal influenza and the anticipation for future influenza pandemics puts influenza front and center in infectious disease research. Because the natural history and pathogenesis of human influenza has not been well characterized and cannot be adequately studied in animal models or with current in vitro techniques, important questions about influenza pathogenesis can only be approached through human challenge studies. Previous human challenge studies have addressed some aspects of the natural history by evaluating the timing of viral replication, shedding, clinical symptoms, and innate and adaptive immune responses. Although these studies have provided important information, all but one was performed prior to 1990. Without exception, these studies had limitations due to the scope of the study and/or the scientific techniques available at that time. While initially the protocol was designed to screen participants for influenza challenge studies, we have expanded our scope of research to include emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.The primary goal of this study is to collect and store serum and RNA samples and obtain clinical and laboratory data from volunteers to determine in advance if they are potentially eligible to participate in future clinical studies. To accomplish this objective, up to 5000 participants will be enrolled in this protocol at the NIH Clinical Center clinic or day hospital in order to maintain a pool of participants who have been evaluated and can be screened for future LID Clinical Studies Unit protocols.