Lorusso, Lorenzo, Mikhaylova, Svetlana V, Capelli, Enrica et al. · Autoimmunity reviews · 2009 · DOI
This review examines how the immune system may be involved in ME/CFS. Researchers have found that people with ME/CFS often have unusual patterns in immune cells and signaling molecules called cytokines, particularly higher levels of inflammatory markers. These immune system changes might explain some of the main symptoms, like fatigue and flu-like feelings, though the exact role these changes play in causing the disease remains unclear.
Understanding the immunological basis of ME/CFS is crucial for developing diagnostic tests and targeted treatments. This review consolidates evidence that immune dysfunction is a central feature of the disease, supporting the biological basis of ME/CFS rather than psychological explanations, and may guide future research into immune-modulating therapies.
This review does not prove that immune abnormalities cause ME/CFS—these findings may be consequences of the disease rather than triggers. It also does not establish which specific immune dysfunction is primary or sufficient to produce the full clinical syndrome, nor does it validate any single diagnostic immune test for ME/CFS.
About the PEM badge: “PEM required” means post-exertional malaise was an explicit required diagnostic criterion for participant inclusion in this study — not that PEM was studied, observed, or discussed. Studies using criteria that do not require PEM (e.g. Fukuda, Oxford) are tagged “PEM not required”. How the atlas works →
Contribute
Private, reviewed by a human. Not a public comment thread.