Autoantibody-induced Transcriptome and Proteome as Biomarkers

Project description

Post-infectious ME/CFS is a serious disease that severely impairs quality of life. A growing body of data indicates that this syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which naturally occurring antibodies against G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are dysregulated. Previous findings showed that antibodies are able to transfer cellular changes typical of the disease to other cells. The antibody-induced proteins therein reflected the severity of symptoms present in blood donors. Similar effects are now to be determined in patients with ME/CFS symptoms in the context of autoimmune diseases and ME/CFS.

As part of the Immune Mechanisms of ME (IMMME) research network, this project will recruit well-characterised patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic sclerosis, in whom symptoms are present similar to those found in ME/CFS. A fatigue-centred outpatient consultation will be established and ME/CFS symptoms will be recorded in a standardised manner. The project will then purify antibodies from the samples of the IMMME network and use them to stimulate immune and vascular cells. The cellular signaling molecules and the proteins formed from the supernatants will be measured and determined as to whether they are suitable as biomarkers for ME/CFS symptoms. Promising candidates are further tested within the IMMME network, controlling for their diagnostic value. Furthermore, individual GPCR-antibodies will be purified and their specific effects on immune and vascular cells examined.

(Description adapted from project website: see link above)