Abnormal T-Cell activation and cytotoxic T-Cell frequency discriminate symptom severity in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating but poorly-understood disease. ME/CFS symptoms include immune system effects alongside incapacitating fatigue and post-exertional disease exacerbation. Symptom severity can range from mild to severe and whilst symptoms can fluctuate, few people fully recover.

Methods

Immunological profiles of people living with ME/CFS were analysed by flow cytometry, focusing on cytotoxic cells, to determine whether people with mild/moderate (n = 43) or severe ME/CFS (n = 53) expressed different immunological markers. Flow cytometry data were tested for normality and the two clinical groups were compared by t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test as appropriate.

Results

People with mild/moderate ME/CFS had

SUBMITTER: Lee JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12801500 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature