Driving research of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS),
Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), Fibromyalgia and Long Covid

Donate
Sign Up

Autoimmunity and Autoantibodies in ME/CFS

Study AIM

Investigate potential differences in adrenergic and muscarinic receptor autoantibody levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls.

LEAD INVESTIGATORS
  • Jonas Bergquist, MD, PhD, Prof, Director ScD
  • Annie Bynke, Med Student, PhD
  • Per Julin, MD, PhD , MD
  • CG Gottfries, MD, PhD, Prof em
  • Carmen Scheibenbogen, MD, PhD, Prof
Updates and Potential

Recently completed a validation study on the presence of autoantibodies in plasma in two Swedish ME/CFS cohorts. We observed a significant up-regulation of autoantibodies in up to 70% of the patients. No autoantibodies could be found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is very good news, as that would make removal of the antibodies very difficult.

Preliminary studies using immunoadsorption and/or plasmapheresis to remove the antibodies show positive effects in at least a subpopulation of ME/CFS patients.

STUDY HYPOTHESIS AND DESCRIPTION

Previously, autoantibodies have been observed to have increased binding to adrenergic and muscarinic receptors in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME / CFS) patients. It is hypothesized that these autoantibodies may be part of the pathogenesis of ME / CFS and patient symptom.

STUDY DESIGN

Plasma, CSF and health-related questionnaires were collected from two Swedish ME / CFS cohorts, plasma and CSF from one of the cohorts (n=24), only plasma from the second cohort (n=24) together with plasma samples (n=24) and CSF (n=6) from healthy controls.

All samples were analyzed for IgG autoantibodies directed against adrenergic and muscarinic receptors ELISA technique. The questionnaires were used as measures of disease severity.

This study has been published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity – Health

Other links you might be interested in:
Collaborative Center – Uppsala
OMF Milestones
Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
OMF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
(EIN# 26-4712664). All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

PRIVACY POLICY  | MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

Open Medicine Foundation®
29302 Laro Drive,  Agoura Hills, CA 91301 USA
Phone: 650-242-8669 

Inquiries
Copyright © 2022 Open Medicine Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS) Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), Fibromyalgia Leading Research. Delivering Hope.Open Medicine Foundation®

What are the advantages of giving from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?

  • Your gifts to your donor advised fund entitle you to an immediate income tax deduction at the time of contribution.
  • You avoid capital gains tax on appreciated assets you place in your donor advised fund.
  • Your fund’s investment gains accumulate tax free.
  • Funds are distributed to Open Medicine Foundation in your name and immediately put to use to support our worldwide research efforts.

How do I make a donation through my DAF?

Just click on the DAF widget below. It is simple and convenient to find your fund among the over 900 funds in our system.

Still can’t find your fund? 

  • Request a grant distribution through your Donor Advised Fund sponsor
  • Be sure to use OMF’s EIN #26-4712664
  • You can also designate OMF as a beneficiary for your Donor Advised Fund
  • Questions? Give us a call at 650-242-8669 
 
Donate