Exploratory study on autoantibodies to arginine-rich human peptides mimicking Epstein-Barr virus in women with post-COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a well-established trigger and risk factor for both myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-COVID syndrome (PCS). In previous studies, we identified elevated IgG responses to arginine-rich (poly-R) sequences within the EBV nuclear antigens EBNA4 and EBNA6 in post-infectious ME/CFS (piME/CFS). Building on these findings, this exploratory study examines IgG reactivity to poly-R-containing EBV-derived peptides and homologous human peptides in women with PCS and ME/CFS.

Methods

IgG reactivity to poly-R containing peptides derived from EBNA4 and EBNA6, and homologous human 15-mer peptides and the corresponding full-length proteins, was assessed using a cytometric bead array (CBA) and a multiplex dot-b

SUBMITTER: Hoheisel F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12491002 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature