Characterisation of autoimmune responses to identify targets in ME/CFS (CURE-ME)

Description

ME/CFS is a severe neuroimmunological disease that often leads to a high degree of physical and cognitive dysfunction. Its causes and development are still largely unknown. Therefore, the options for 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 is also unclear whether similar mechanisms are at work in adolescents and adults. The CURE-ME research network aims to investigate how autoimmune processes induced by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) can lead to a change in the healthy immune response. To this end, immunological processes in samples from adolescents and adults are to be examined and characterized, and specific immune cells that are activated by an EBV infection are to be specifically inhibited. This work is intended to make an important contribution to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of post-infectious ME/CFS. Newly identified biomarkers can be used for more specific and earlier diagnosis as well as as targets for new therapeutic options. (Description adapted from research network website: see link above)