Metzger, Kristine, Frémont, Marc, Roelant, Chris et al. · Biochemical and biophysical research communications · 2008 · DOI
This study looked at a genetic variation in a protein called IL-17F that affects immune system inflammation. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients were less likely to carry a protective version of this genetic variant compared to healthy people. This suggests that the immune system's inflammatory response, particularly from a type of immune cell called Th17 cells, may play a role in ME/CFS.
ME/CFS is characterized by persistent immune activation and abnormal cytokine profiles, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study identifies a specific genetic factor that may predispose individuals to develop the disease, providing potential insight into the immune dysregulation seen in ME/CFS and suggesting therapeutic targets related to Th17 cell function.
This study does not prove that the IL-17F variant causes ME/CFS, only that it is associated with the disease. Genetic association does not establish causation, and the finding requires replication in larger, diverse populations. This single-gene study does not explain the complex, multifactorial nature of ME/CFS pathogenesis.
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 →
The first block is for the primary paper and is the citation you should use in research work. The atlas-snapshot line only applies if you are specifically referring to this atlas’s reading of the paper on the date shown.
Primary citation
Metzger, Kristine, Frémont, Marc, Roelant, Chris, & De Meirleir, Kenny (2008). Lower frequency of IL-17F sequence variant (His161Arg) in chronic fatigue syndrome patients.. Biochemical and biophysical research communications. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.08.135
BibTeX
@article{mecfsatlas-metzger-2008-lower-frequency,
author = {Metzger, Kristine and Frémont, Marc and Roelant, Chris and De Meirleir, Kenny},
title = {Lower frequency of IL-17F sequence variant (His161Arg) in chronic fatigue syndrome patients.},
journal = {Biochemical and biophysical research communications},
year = {2008},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.08.135},
note = {PubMed: 18774769},
url = {https://www.mecfsatlas.com/evidence/metzger-2008-lower-frequency},
}Atlas snapshot reference
ME/CFS Atlas. Generator v1 / Scanner v1.4 / policy v0.1. Accessed 2026-05-30. https://www.mecfsatlas.com/evidence/metzger-2008-lower-frequency
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