Research

Research Focus: Understanding ME/CFS and Long Covid through clinical and immunological insights

The CureME research team is currently investigating the complex clinical and immunological processes involved in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS); in this study we are, for the first time, including people with Long Covid. This follows on from a published pilot study showing that people with ME/CFS have a higher abundance of herpesviruses 6B and 7 DNA in their saliva, which correlates with symptom severity. We are now investigating a larger cohort, aiming to determine whether viral load or symptoms increase first during disease exacerbations.  We will also investigate why people with ME/CFS are less able to control herpesvirus infections.

The clinical aspect of our research is supported by our in-house research nurse, who collects vital data through detailed clinical assessment which involves the collection of blood and saliva samples. These data provide a foundation for understanding the physical manifestations of these conditions in affected individuals.

Meanwhile, the team has discovered changes in the immune system, specifically in cytotoxic T cells, in people with ME/CFS; importantly there appear to be subgroups of people who can be identified based on immune cell and clinical profiles.

This is the 4^th National Institutes of Health funded study that the CureME team has undertaken.