Immunological disease mechanisms in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelopathy (CFS/ME) is a common and disabling disorder characterized by fatigue, exertional malaise, pain and other symptoms. The underlying disease mechanisms are still incompletely understood, despite significant research efforts in recent years. The immune system (which protects us against infections) is moderately disturbed in CFS/ME, but it is unclear whether this disturbance is the cause of the patients' symptoms. This project involves a detailed mapping of the immune system in CFS/ME patients, with particular focus on two elements: the inflammatory reaction and the function of the B cells (which are a specific type of white blood cell). Furthermore, we plan to study the connection between immune disorders, hormonal/neurological disorders and symptoms. The main data source is the international COFFI consortium (Collaborative on Fatigue Following Infection), which disposes of data from 18 post-infectious cohort studies (i.e. studies that have focused on the development of CFS/ME in the wake of "kissing sickness", COVID-19 and other infections ). The COFFI consortium includes more than 22,000 participants in 7 countries, ensuring a homogeneous patient population. Some patients with a post-COVID-19 condition (often referred to as "Long COVID") also fulfill diagnostic criteria for CFS/ME. There is generally very little knowledge about this patient group. Because this project was established just before/during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have so far focused on patients who have developed CFS/ME in the wake of COVID-19. We have published/submitted several scientific articles on immunological mechanisms in adolescents/young adults with COVID-19/Long COVID, and are now working (autumn 2023) to analyze the responses from advanced immunological experiments on white blood cells from this patient group.