Development and analysis of a SARS-CoV-2-induced mouse model for ME/CFS

Project description

The causes of ME/CFS and ME/CFS-like symptoms that occur following a SARS-CoV-2 infection are not well understood. As a result, the options for therapeutic clinical treatment of patients are limited. There are large gaps in knowledge because hardly any tissue samples from those affected are available and comparisons with defined control groups are difficult to make.

It can be assumed that a significant proportion of people suffering from ME/CFS have post-infectious dysregulation of the innate immune system and deregulated neurotransmitter metabolism. The SERIMM research network therefore aims to shed light on indications of altered serotonin metabolism and dysregulation of the immune system. To this end, samples from patient cohorts and COVID-19 animal models will be examined in parallel using high-throughput analysis methods. In this way, changes in the brain, for example, can be examined in detail and healthy and diseased individuals can be better compared.

The work planned at Helmholtz Munich will use an established animal model of SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice. Specific behavioral analyses will be carried out on long-term infected animals. Subsequent analyses of the sera and organs using sequencing as well as histological and imaging techniques will provide mechanistic clues for new therapeutic approaches. This work is intended to make an important contribution to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of ME/CFS and thus contribute to the development of biomarkers and new therapeutic approaches.

(Description adapted from project website: see link above)