EBV, SARS-CoV-2, HSV Mimicry Epitopes and Autoantibodies

Project description

As part of the Immune Mechanisms of ME (IMMME) research network, this project seeks to answer the question of whether and how cross-reactive virus-specific antibodies contribute to ME/CFS. To this end, the investigators compare antibody binding to viral peptide sequences and their homologous sequences in human proteins in patients and healthy control subjects. To obtain further evidence of in vivo relevance, investigators examine autoantibody binding to the corresponding viral and human proteins. The project will also investigate an association of these potential autoreactive antibodies with the severity of key symptoms such as fatigue, pain, cognitive deficits and exercise intolerance. In addition, the effect of the autoreactive antibodies on their target proteins and their function will be further investigated using suitable functional, cell-based assays. The focus is on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), which are involved in signal transmission in various processes. ​

The autoantibodies identified as part of the project will also be examined for their diagnostic potential. Further findings should provide a basis for the therapeutic targeting of autoantibodies.​

(Description adapted from project website: see link above)