Autoimmunity and
Autoantibodies in ME/CFS

Investigate potential differences in adrenergic and muscarinic receptor autoantibody levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls, examine why these autoantibodies start to show up in the disease process and how we might positively impact this process with various drug targets and immune regulatory treatments. Being able to explain these underlying mechanisms may provide the validation needed for specific ongoing treatments.

  • Jonas Bergquist, MD, PhD
  • Annie Bynke, Med Student, PhD
  • Per Julin, MD, PhD
  • CG Gottfries, MD, PhD
  • Carmen Scheibenbogen, MD, PhD
STUDY HYPOTHESIS AND DESCRIPTION

The development of autoimmune antibodies is a consistent finding across HSE, ME/CFS, Long COVID and provide a window into the neurocognitive disturbances, peripheral symptoms, POTS, pain, and other targets of these autoantibodies.

Previously, autoantibodies have been observed to have increased binding to adrenergic and muscarinic receptors in ME/CFS patients. It is hypothesized

that these autoantibodies may be part of the pathogenesis of ME/CFS and patient symptom.

OBJECTIVES

Illustration of antibodies attacking a virus.

  • Investigate potential differences in adrenergic and muscarinic receptor autoantibody levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls.
  • Combine these findings with ME/CFS patients and contrast groups (including such as Long COVID, critical COVID patients, neuroimmunology induced cognitive dysfunction patients).
  • Evaluate data to identify potential differences and patient subgroups.