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Gil A, Hoag GE, Salerno JP, Hornig M, Klimas N, Selin LK. Identification of CD8 T-cell dysfunction associated with symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID and treatment with a nebulized antioxidant/anti-pathogen agent in a retrospective case series. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 36:100720. [PMID: 38327880 PMCID: PMC10847863 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with post-acute sequelae of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC, i.e., Long COVID) have a symptom complex highly analogous to many features of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), suggesting they may share some aspects of pathogenesis in these similar disorders. ME/CFS is a complex disease affecting numerous organ systems and biological processes and is often preceded by an infection-like episode. It is postulated that the chronic manifestations of illness may result from an altered host response to infection or inability to resolve inflammation, as is being reported in Long COVID. The immunopathogenesis of both disorders is still poorly understood. Here, we show data that suggest Long COVID and ME/CFS may be due to an aberrant response to an immunological trigger-like infection, resulting in a dysregulated immune system with CD8 T-cell dysfunction reminiscent of some aspects of T-cell clonal exhaustion, a phenomenon associated with oxidative stress. As there is an urgent need for diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for these two related disabling disorders, here, in a retrospective case series, we have also identified a potential nebulized antioxidant/anti-pathogen treatment that has evidence of a good safety profile. This nebulized agent is comprised of five ingredients previously reported individually to relieve oxidative stress, attenuate NF-κB signaling, and/or to act directly to inhibit pathogens, including viruses. Administration of this treatment by nebulizer results in rapid access of small doses of well-studied antioxidants and agents with anti-pathogen potential to the lungs; components of this nebulized agent are also likely to be distributed systemically, with potential to enter the central nervous system. Methods and Findings: We conducted an analysis of CD8 T-cell function and severity of symptoms by self-report questionnaires in ME/CFS, Long COVID and healthy controls. We developed a CD8 T-cell functional assay, assessing CD8 T-cell dysfunction by intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) in a group of ME/CFS (n = 12) and Long COVID patients (n = 8), comparing to healthy controls (HC) with similar age and sex (n = 10). Magnet-enriched fresh CD8 T-cells in both patient groups had a significantly diminished capacity to produce both cytokines, IFNγ or TNFα, after PMA stimulation when compared to HC. The symptom severity questionnaire showed similar symptom profiles for the two disorders. Fortuitously, through a retrospective case series, we were able to examine the ICS and questionnaire data of 4 ME/CFS and 4 Long COVID patients in conjunction with their treatment (3-15 months). In parallel with the treatment pursued electively by participants in this retrospective case series, there was an increase in CD8 T-cell IFNγ and TNFα production and a decrease in overall self-reported symptom severity score by 54%. No serious treatment-associated side effects or laboratory anomalies were noted in these patients. Conclusions Here, in this small study, we present two observations that appear potentially fundamental to the pathogenesis and treatment of Long COVID and ME/CFS. The first is that both disorders appear to be characterized by dysfunctional CD8 T-cells with severe deficiencies in their abilities to produce IFNγ and TNFα. The second is that in a small retrospective Long COVID and ME/CFS case series, this immune dysfunction and patient health improved in parallel with treatment with an immunomodulatory, antioxidant pharmacological treatment with anticipated anti-pathogen activity. This work provides evidence of the potential utility of a biomarker, CD8 T-cell dysfunction, and suggests the potential for benefit from a new nebulized antioxidant/anti-pathogen treatment. These immune biomarker data may help build capacity for improved diagnosis and tracking of treatment outcomes during clinical trials for both Long COVID and ME/CFS while providing clues to new treatment avenues that suggest potential efficacy for both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gil
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Department of Pathology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - John P. Salerno
- Inspiritol, Inc., Fairfield, CT, USA
- The Salerno Center for Complementary Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Mady Hornig
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Nancy Klimas
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Liisa K. Selin
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Department of Pathology, Worcester, MA, USA
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Minotti C, McKenzie C, Dewandel I, Bekker C, Sturniolo G, Doni D, Giaquinto C, Van Der Zalm MM, Donà D. How does post COVID differ from other post-viral conditions in childhood and adolescence (0-20 years old)? A systematic review. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 68:102436. [PMID: 38333536 PMCID: PMC10850405 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Post Coronavirus disease (COVID) and other post-viral infection syndromes present an overlap of pathogenesis, onset, progression, and symptom profile. We aimed to systematically describe studies on post-viral conditions and determine the entity of post COVID compared to other post-viral conditions in children. Methods We conducted a systematic search of the Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and GoogleScholar databases (January 1946-3 November 2023), according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The main outcomes were differences in condition duration, symptom type, and development of chronic symptoms. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023401789). Findings 35/5051 studies were included, with 42,934 children, adolescents and young adults (0-20 years old) overall. Twenty-eight studies focused on post COVID symptoms, followed by five papers on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Rhinovirus, one study on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and one on gastrointestinal viruses. Studies on post COVID mainly reported data on older children/adolescents, describing long-lasting symptoms, including fatigue, neurologic, cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, mental health, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The maximum described symptoms duration was eighteen months, with an average follow-up of seven months. The development of chronic symptoms was reported by 30 studies (93.8%) for 10,473/28,474 patients (36.8%). Recovery was achieved in 18,001/28,474 cases (63.2%). The study on EBV reported persistent fatigue in adolescents for a similar duration (6 months, 46% chronic). Studies on RSV and Rhinovirus were mainly done in children under three years, with development of recurrent wheezing (up to 3 years). Interpretation Post-viral fatigue was a shared feature between post COVID and post EBV conditions. A better understanding of post COVID as a unique condition, sharing features with other post-viral syndromes, is needed. The healthcare burden and socio-economic consequences for children and their families warrant further investigation and development of appropriate healthcare management plans. The foremost requirement is the establishment of consistent and shareable definitions, as well as a consensus on outcomes, to effectively evaluate follow-up and quantify the burden of different viral infections. Funding EU Horizon, EDCTP, NIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Minotti
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Italy
- PhD Program in Clinical Research, University Children's Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carla McKenzie
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Isabelle Dewandel
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carien Bekker
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Giulia Sturniolo
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Denis Doni
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Marieke M. Van Der Zalm
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daniele Donà
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Italy
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Rai A, Ammi Z, Anes-Boulahbal DL, Assadi AA, Amrane A, Baaloudj O, Mouni L. Molecular Amplification and Cell Culturing Efficiency for Enteroviruses' Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluids of Algerian Patients Suffering from Meningitis. Viruses 2024; 16:170. [PMID: 38399946 PMCID: PMC10891896 DOI: 10.3390/v16020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Enteroviruses (EVs) represent a major cause of viral meningitis, being responsible for nearly 1 billion infections each year worldwide. Several techniques were developed to obtain better diagnostic results of EV infections. Herein, we evaluated the efficiency of EV detection through isolation on both Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and Vero cell line cultures, conventional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time RT-PCR. Thus, 50 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples belonging to patients suspected to have viral meningitis in northern Algeria were collected, anonymously numbered from 1 to 50 and subjected to the above-mentioned techniques for EV detection. Using real-time RT-PCR, 34 CSF samples were revealed to be positive for viral origin of meningitis (68%). Thirteen of them were positive when the conventional RT-PCR was used (26%), and only three samples gave positive results when the cell culture technique was used (6%). Surprisingly, two cell culture-positive CSF samples, namely, 31 and 39, were negative using RT-PCR directly on the original samples. However, they turned to be positive when amplification was carried out on their corresponding cell culture supernatant. The cell-cultured viral isolates were then identified by sequencing their viral genome's VP1 regions. All of them were revealed to belong to the echovirus 27 strain. This investigation demonstrates that RT-PCR techniques are often more sensitive, accurate and much faster, providing reliable results within a clinically acceptable timeframe. However, viral isolation on cell cultures remains crucial to obtain enough viral load for serological tests or even to avoid the rare, but existing, false negative PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelwahab Rai
- Laboratoire de Gestion et Valorisation des Ressources Naturelles et Assurance Qualité, Faculté SNVST, Université de Bouira, Bouira 10000, Algeria;
| | - Zohra Ammi
- Faculté SNVST, Université de Bouira, Bouira 10000, Algeria;
| | - Dahbia Leila Anes-Boulahbal
- Laboratoire des Entérovirus, Département de Virologie, Institut Pasteur d’Alger, Annexe de Sidi-Fredj, Alger 16000, Algeria;
| | - Aymen Amin Assadi
- College of Engineering, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, IMSIU, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia;
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, University Rennes, CNRS, ISCR-UMR 6226, 35000 Rennes, France;
| | - Abdeltif Amrane
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, University Rennes, CNRS, ISCR-UMR 6226, 35000 Rennes, France;
| | - Oussama Baaloudj
- Laboratory of Reaction Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Process Engineering, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, BP 32, Algiers 16111, Algeria;
| | - Lotfi Mouni
- Laboratoire de Gestion et Valorisation des Ressources Naturelles et Assurance Qualité, Faculté SNVST, Université de Bouira, Bouira 10000, Algeria;
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Vu LT, Ahmed F, Zhu H, Iu DSH, Fogarty EA, Kwak Y, Chen W, Franconi CJ, Munn PR, Tate AE, Levine SM, Stevens J, Mao X, Shungu DC, Moore GE, Keller BA, Hanson MR, Grenier JK, Grimson A. Single-cell transcriptomics of the immune system in ME/CFS at baseline and following symptom provocation. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101373. [PMID: 38232699 PMCID: PMC10829790 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious and poorly understood disease. To understand immune dysregulation in ME/CFS, we use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to examine immune cells in patient and control cohorts. Postexertional malaise (PEM), an exacerbation of symptoms following strenuous exercise, is a characteristic symptom of ME/CFS. To detect changes coincident with PEM, we applied scRNA-seq on the same cohorts following exercise. At baseline, ME/CFS patients display classical monocyte dysregulation suggestive of inappropriate differentiation and migration to tissue. We identify both diseased and more normal monocytes within patients, and the fraction of diseased cells correlates with disease severity. Comparing the transcriptome at baseline and postexercise challenge, we discover patterns indicative of improper platelet activation in patients, with minimal changes elsewhere in the immune system. Taken together, these data identify immunological defects present at baseline in patients and an additional layer of dysregulation in platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyen Tien Vu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Faraz Ahmed
- Genomics Innovation Hub and TREx Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Hongya Zhu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - David Shing Huk Iu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Fogarty
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Yeonui Kwak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Weizhong Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Carl J Franconi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Paul R Munn
- Genomics Innovation Hub and TREx Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ann E Tate
- Genomics Innovation Hub and TREx Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | | | | | - Xiangling Mao
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dikoma C Shungu
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Geoffrey E Moore
- Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Betsy A Keller
- Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Maureen R Hanson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Jennifer K Grenier
- Genomics Innovation Hub and TREx Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Andrew Grimson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Ponomareva NV, Novikova NA. Neurotropic enteroviruses (Picornaviridae: Enterovirus): predominant types, basis of neurovirulence. Vopr Virusol 2023; 68:479-487. [PMID: 38156564 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Enteroviruses are one of the most common causative agents of infectious diseases of the central nervous system. They are characterized by genetic variability, the ability to infect a wide range of cells, including brain microglial cells and astrocytes, and persist in the central nervous system tissue, causing delayed and chronic diseases. The review presents data on the basis of neurovirulence of non-polio enteroviruses and the most common pathogens causing enteroviral neuroinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Ponomareva
- Academician I.N. Blokhina Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Rospotrebnadzor
| | - N A Novikova
- Academician I.N. Blokhina Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Rospotrebnadzor
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6
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Maeda KI, Islam MF, Conroy KE, Jason L. Health outcomes of sensory hypersensitivities in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:3052-3063. [PMID: 36977713 PMCID: PMC10533743 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2195670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a poorly understood chronic illness with many case definitions that disagree on key symptoms, including hypersensitivities to noise and lights. The aim of the current study was to understand the prevalence rates and characteristics of these symptoms amongst people with ME/CFS and to compare them to people with another chronic illness, multiple sclerosis (MS). International datasets consisting of 2,240 people with either ME/CFS or MS have completed the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) and the Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Hypersensitivities to noise and lights were indicated from items on the DSQ, and participants were analyzed against DSQ and SF-36 subscales through a multivariate analysis of covariance. There were significantly higher percentages of people with hypersensitivities in the ME/CFS sample compared to the MS sample. Regardless of illness, participants that exhibited both hypersensitivities reported greater symptomology than those without hypersensitivities. Healthcare providers and researchers should consider these symptoms when developing treatment plans and evaluating ME/CFS case diagnostic criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensei I. Maeda
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mohammed F. Islam
- Department of Psychology, Chicago State University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karl E. Conroy
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leonard Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Ruiz-Pablos M, Paiva B, Zabaleta A. Epstein-Barr virus-acquired immunodeficiency in myalgic encephalomyelitis-Is it present in long COVID? J Transl Med 2023; 21:633. [PMID: 37718435 PMCID: PMC10506247 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04515-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Both myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID (LC) are characterized by similar immunological alterations, persistence of chronic viral infection, autoimmunity, chronic inflammatory state, viral reactivation, hypocortisolism, and microclot formation. They also present with similar symptoms such as asthenia, exercise intolerance, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological and gastrointestinal complaints. In addition, both pathologies present Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, indicating the possibility of this virus being the link between both pathologies. Therefore, we propose that latency and recurrent EBV reactivation could generate an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in three steps: first, an acquired EBV immunodeficiency develops in individuals with "weak" EBV HLA-II haplotypes, which prevents the control of latency I cells. Second, ectopic lymphoid structures with EBV latency form in different tissues (including the CNS), promoting inflammatory responses and further impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Finally, immune exhaustion occurs due to chronic exposure to viral antigens, with consolidation of the disease. In the case of LC, prior to the first step, there is the possibility of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with "weak" HLA-II haplotypes against this virus and/or EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aintzane Zabaleta
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen R. Hanson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
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Maya J. Surveying the Metabolic and Dysfunctional Profiles of T Cells and NK Cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11937. [PMID: 37569313 PMCID: PMC10418326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions globally suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The inflammatory symptoms, illness onset, recorded outbreak events, and physiological variations provide strong indications that ME/CFS, at least sometimes, has an infectious origin, possibly resulting in a chronic unidentified viral infection. Meanwhile, studies exposing generalized metabolic disruptions in ME/CFS have stimulated interest in isolated immune cells with an altered metabolic state. As the metabolism dictates the cellular function, dissecting the biomechanics of dysfunctional immune cells in ME/CFS can uncover states such as exhaustion, senescence, or anergy, providing insights into the consequences of these phenotypes in this disease. Despite the similarities that are seen metabolically between ME/CFS and other chronic viral infections that result in an exhausted immune cell state, immune cell exhaustion has not yet been verified in ME/CFS. This review explores the evidence for immunometabolic dysfunction in ME/CFS T cell and natural killer (NK) cell populations, comparing ME/CFS metabolic and functional features to dysfunctional immune cell states, and positing whether anergy, exhaustion, or senescence could be occurring in distinct immune cell populations in ME/CFS, which is consistent with the hypothesis that ME/CFS is a chronic viral disease. This comprehensive review of the ME/CFS immunometabolic literature identifies CD8+ T cell exhaustion as a probable contender, underscores the need for further investigation into the dysfunctional state of CD4+ T cells and NK cells, and explores the functional implications of molecular findings in these immune-cell types. Comprehending the cause and impact of ME/CFS immune cell dysfunction is critical to understanding the physiological mechanisms of ME/CFS, and developing effective treatments to alleviate the burden of this disabling condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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Paniskaki K, Konik MJ, Anft M, Heidecke H, Meister TL, Pfaender S, Krawczyk A, Zettler M, Jäger J, Gaeckler A, Dolff S, Westhoff TH, Rohn H, Stervbo U, Scheibenbogen C, Witzke O, Babel N. Low avidity circulating SARS-CoV-2 reactive CD8+ T cells with proinflammatory TEMRA phenotype are associated with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1196721. [PMID: 37333646 PMCID: PMC10272838 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1196721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of adaptive SARS-CoV-2 specific immunity in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is not well explored, although a growing population of convalescent COVID-19 patients with manifestation of PASC is observed. We analyzed the SARS-CoV-2-specific immune response, via pseudovirus neutralizing assay and multiparametric flow cytometry in 40 post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 patients with non-specific PASC manifestation and 15 COVID-19 convalescent healthy donors. Although frequencies of SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ T cells were similar between the studied cohorts, a stronger SARS-CoV-2 reactive CD8+ T cell response, characterized by IFNγ production and predominant TEMRA phenotype but low functional TCR avidity was detected in PASC patients compared to controls. Of interest, high avidity SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were comparable between the groups demonstrating sufficient cellular antiviral response in PASC. In line with the cellular immunity, neutralizing capacity in PASC patients was not inferior compared to controls. In conclusion, our data suggest that PASC may be driven by an inflammatory response triggered by an expanded population of low avidity SARS-CoV-2 reactive pro-inflammatory CD8+ T cells. These pro-inflammatory T cells with TEMRA phenotype are known to be activated by a low or even without TCR stimulation and lead to a tissue damage. Further studies including animal models are required for a better understanding of underlying immunopathogensis. Summary: A CD8+ driven persistent inflammatory response triggered by SARS-CoV-2 may be responsible for the observed sequelae in PASC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystallenia Paniskaki
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Margarethe J. Konik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Moritz Anft
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Toni L. Meister
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie Pfaender
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Adalbert Krawczyk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Markus Zettler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jasmin Jäger
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anja Gaeckler
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dolff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Timm H. Westhoff
- Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Hana Rohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrik Stervbo
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nina Babel
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – University Clinic Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Giloteaux L, Li J, Hornig M, Lipkin WI, Ruppert D, Hanson MR. Proteomics and cytokine analyses distinguish myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome cases from controls. J Transl Med 2023; 21:322. [PMID: 37179299 PMCID: PMC10182359 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, heterogenous disease characterized by unexplained persistent fatigue and other features including cognitive impairment, myalgias, post-exertional malaise, and immune system dysfunction. Cytokines are present in plasma and encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs), but there have been only a few reports of EV characteristics and cargo in ME/CFS. Several small studies have previously described plasma proteins or protein pathways that are associated with ME/CFS. METHODS We prepared extracellular vesicles (EVs) from frozen plasma samples from a cohort of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) cases and controls with prior published plasma cytokine and plasma proteomics data. The cytokine content of the plasma-derived extracellular vesicles was determined by a multiplex assay and differences between patients and controls were assessed. We then performed multi-omic statistical analyses that considered not only this new data, but extensive clinical data describing the health of the subjects. RESULTS ME/CFS cases exhibited greater size and concentration of EVs in plasma. Assays of cytokine content in EVs revealed IL2 was significantly higher in cases. We observed numerous correlations among EV cytokines, among plasma cytokines, and among plasma proteins from mass spectrometry proteomics. Significant correlations between clinical data and protein levels suggest roles of particular proteins and pathways in the disease. For example, higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Granulocyte-Monocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (CSF2) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNFα) were correlated with greater physical and fatigue symptoms in ME/CFS cases. Higher serine protease SERPINA5, which is involved in hemostasis, was correlated with higher SF-36 general health scores in ME/CFS. Machine learning classifiers were able to identify a list of 20 proteins that could discriminate between cases and controls, with XGBoost providing the best classification with 86.1% accuracy and a cross-validated AUROC value of 0.947. Random Forest distinguished cases from controls with 79.1% accuracy and an AUROC value of 0.891 using only 7 proteins. CONCLUSIONS These findings add to the substantial number of objective differences in biomolecules that have been identified in individuals with ME/CFS. The observed correlations of proteins important in immune responses and hemostasis with clinical data further implicates a disturbance of these functions in ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Giloteaux
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 323 Biotechnology Building, 526 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jiayin Li
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Mady Hornig
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - W Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Pathology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Ruppert
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- School of Operations Research and Information Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Maureen R Hanson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 323 Biotechnology Building, 526 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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12
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Maya J, Leddy SM, Gottschalk CG, Peterson DL, Hanson MR. Altered Fatty Acid Oxidation in Lymphocyte Populations of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2010. [PMID: 36768336 PMCID: PMC9916395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disabling multisystem illness in which individuals are plagued with fatigue, inflammatory symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, and the hallmark symptom, post-exertional malaise. While the cause of this disease remains unknown, there is evidence of a potential infectious component that, along with patient symptoms and common onsets of the disease, implicates immune system dysfunction. To further our understanding of the state of ME/CFS lymphocytes, we characterized the role of fatty acids in isolated Natural Killer cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells in circulation and after overnight stimulation, through implicit perturbations to fatty acid oxidation. We examined samples obtained from at least 8 and as many as 20 subjects for immune cell fatty acid characterization in a variety of experiments and found that all three isolated cell types increased their utilization of lipids and levels of pertinent proteins involved in this metabolic pathway in ME/CFS samples, particularly during higher energy demands and activation. In T cells, we characterized the cell populations contributing to these metabolic shifts, which included CD4+ memory cells, CD4+ effector cells, CD8+ naïve cells, and CD8+ memory cells. We also discovered that patients with ME/CFS and healthy control samples had significant correlations between measurements of CD4+ T cell fatty acid metabolism and demographic data. These findings provide support for metabolic dysfunction in ME/CFS immune cells. We further hypothesize about the consequences that these altered fuel dependencies may have on T and NK cell effector function, which may shed light on the illness's mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Sabrina M. Leddy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | | | - Daniel L. Peterson
- Simmaron Research, Incline Village, NV 89451, USA
- Sierra Internal Medicine, Incline Village, NV 89451, USA
| | - Maureen R. Hanson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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13
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Liu Z, Lv Z, Zhou X, Shi J, Hong S, Huang H, Lv L. Efficacy of traditional Chinese exercises in patients with post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31450. [PMID: 36401484 PMCID: PMC9678398 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some patients develop long-term symptoms after Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is one of the main symptoms. CFS is characterized by fatigue lasting for more than 6 months accompanied by sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression, which causes a certain degree of harm to both physiological and psychological aspects of the individual. Traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) are an ancient Chinese therapy and has recently been reported to be effective for CFS. Therefore, we will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to accurately evaluate the efficacy of TCEs on post-COVID-19 CFS and provide an alternative treatment for post-COVID-19 CFS. METHODS Seven databases (PubMed, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), and Wanfang) will be searched from establishment to August 2022, and we will only include randomized controlled trials of TCEs for post-COVID-19 CFS. Two reviews will independently include the research according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Review Manager 5.2 software will be used to analyze the accepted literature, and the relative risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) will be used as effect indicators for the outcome indicator dichotomous variables. For continuous variables, weighted mean difference (MD) and 95% CI will be used as effect indicators. The heterogeneity test will be assessed using the I2 statistic and Q statistic. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. Subgroup analysis was performed according to different TCEs, age, gender, and duration of CFS. RESULTS This systematic review and meta-analysis will evaluate the efficacy of TCEs in post-COVID-19 CFS. CONCLUSION The results of this study will provide reliable evidence for the effects of TCEs for post-COVID-19 CFS on patients' fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liu
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhizhen Lv
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingchen Zhou
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiao Shi
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuangwei Hong
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huazhi Huang
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijiang Lv
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- * Correspondence: Lijiang Lv, The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548, Binwen Road, Hangzhou 310053, China (e-mail: )
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14
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Patel A, Kumar S, Lai L, Chakravarthy C, Valanparambil R, Reddy ES, Gottimukkala K, Bajpai P, Raju DR, Edara VV, Davis-Gardner ME, Linderman S, Dixit K, Sharma P, Mantus G, Cheedarla N, Verkerke HP, Frank F, Neish AS, Roback JD, Davis CW, Wrammert J, Ahmed R, Suthar MS, Sharma A, Murali-Krishna K, Chandele A, Ortlund EA. Molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant evasion from shared neutralizing antibody response. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.10.24.513517. [PMID: 36324804 DOI: 10.1101/2022.10.13.512091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A detailed understanding of the molecular features of the neutralizing epitopes developed by viral escape mutants is important for predicting and developing vaccines or therapeutic antibodies against continuously emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we report three human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) generated from COVID-19 recovered individuals during first wave of pandemic in India. These mAbs had publicly shared near germline gene usage and potently neutralized Alpha and Delta, but poorly neutralized Beta and completely failed to neutralize Omicron BA.1 SARS-CoV-2 variants. Structural analysis of these three mAbs in complex with trimeric spike protein showed that all three mAbs are involved in bivalent spike binding with two mAbs targeting class-1 and one targeting class-4 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) epitope. Comparison of immunogenetic makeup, structure, and function of these three mAbs with our recently reported class-3 RBD binding mAb that potently neutralized all SARS-CoV-2 variants revealed precise antibody footprint, specific molecular interactions associated with the most potent multi-variant binding / neutralization efficacy. This knowledge has timely significance for understanding how a combination of certain mutations affect the binding or neutralization of an antibody and thus have implications for predicting structural features of emerging SARS-CoV-2 escape variants and to develop vaccines or therapeutic antibodies against these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Patel
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- ICGEB-Emory Vaccine Center, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Lilin Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory National Primate Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Chennareddy Chakravarthy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Rajesh Valanparambil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Elluri Seetharami Reddy
- ICGEB-Emory Vaccine Center, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Kamalvishnu Gottimukkala
- ICGEB-Emory Vaccine Center, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Prashant Bajpai
- ICGEB-Emory Vaccine Center, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Dinesh Ravindra Raju
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Venkata Viswanadh Edara
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory National Primate Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Meredith E Davis-Gardner
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory National Primate Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Susanne Linderman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kritika Dixit
- ICGEB-Emory Vaccine Center, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Pragati Sharma
- ICGEB-Emory Vaccine Center, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Grace Mantus
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory National Primate Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Narayanaiah Cheedarla
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Hans P Verkerke
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Filipp Frank
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Andrew S Neish
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - John D Roback
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Carl W Davis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jens Wrammert
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory National Primate Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Rafi Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mehul S Suthar
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory National Primate Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Amit Sharma
- Structural Parasitology Group, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Kaja Murali-Krishna
- ICGEB-Emory Vaccine Center, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory National Primate Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Anmol Chandele
- ICGEB-Emory Vaccine Center, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Eric A Ortlund
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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15
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The potential role of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in chronic, relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Long COVID, and ME/CFS: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Biochem J 2022; 479:1653-1708. [PMID: 36043493 PMCID: PMC9484810 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ischaemia–reperfusion (I–R) injury, initiated via bursts of reactive oxygen species produced during the reoxygenation phase following hypoxia, is well known in a variety of acute circumstances. We argue here that I–R injury also underpins elements of the pathology of a variety of chronic, inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ME/CFS and, our chief focus and most proximally, Long COVID. Ischaemia may be initiated via fibrin amyloid microclot blockage of capillaries, for instance as exercise is started; reperfusion is a necessary corollary when it finishes. We rehearse the mechanistic evidence for these occurrences here, in terms of their manifestation as oxidative stress, hyperinflammation, mast cell activation, the production of marker metabolites and related activities. Such microclot-based phenomena can explain both the breathlessness/fatigue and the post-exertional malaise that may be observed in these conditions, as well as many other observables. The recognition of these processes implies, mechanistically, that therapeutic benefit is potentially to be had from antioxidants, from anti-inflammatories, from iron chelators, and via suitable, safe fibrinolytics, and/or anti-clotting agents. We review the considerable existing evidence that is consistent with this, and with the biochemical mechanisms involved.
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16
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van Eeden C, Osman MS, Cohen Tervaert JW. Fatigue in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and systemic sclerosis (SSc): similarities with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). A critical review of the literature. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:1049-1070. [PMID: 36045606 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2116002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent debilitating fatigue is a frequent complaint in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). Fatigue is, however, frequently overlooked in the clinic, and patients who successfully achieve remission of their disease, often still have a lowered quality of life due to its persistence. How similar is this fatigue to Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), what is this fatigue associated with, and what tools/approaches (if any), have resulted in the improvement of fatigue in these patients is poorly defined. AREAS COVERED Similarities between the pathophysiology of ME/CFS, systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primary systemic vasculitides (PSV) are discussed, followed by an in-depth review of the prevalence and correlates of fatigue in these diseases. The authors reviewed literature from MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, Embase, and CINAHL. EXPERT OPINION Persistent fatigue is a prominent feature in SARDs and may not be associated with components commonly associated with disease activity and/or progression. Immune and metabolic commonalities exist between ME/CFS, SSc, and PSVs - suggesting that common pathways inherent to the diseases and fatigue may be present. We suggest that patients with features of ME/CFS need to be identified by treating physicians, as they may require alternative approaches to therapy to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine van Eeden
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed S Osman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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17
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O’Neal AJ, Glass KA, Emig CJ, Vitug AA, Henry SJ, Shungu DC, Mao X, Levine SM, Hanson MR. Survey of Anti-Pathogen Antibody Levels in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Proteomes 2022; 10:proteomes10020021. [PMID: 35736801 PMCID: PMC9228258 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes10020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious pathogens are implicated in the etiology of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) because of the occurrence of outbreaks of the disease. While a number of different infectious agents have been associated with the onset of ME/CFS, the identity of a specific organism has been difficult to determine in individual cases. The aim of our study is to survey ME/CFS subjects for evidence of an infectious trigger and/or evidence of immune dysregulation via serological testing of plasma samples for antibodies to 122 different pathogen antigens. Immune profiles were compared to age-, sex-, and BMI-matched controls to provide a basis for comparison. Antibody levels to individual antigens surveyed in this study do not implicate any one of the pathogens in ME/CFS, nor do they rule out common pathogens that frequently infect the US population. However, our results revealed sex-based differences in steady-state humoral immunity, both within the ME/CFS cohort and when compared to trends seen in the healthy control cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. O’Neal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (A.J.O.); (K.A.G.); (S.M.L.)
| | - Katherine A. Glass
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (A.J.O.); (K.A.G.); (S.M.L.)
| | - Christopher J. Emig
- Augmenta Bioworks, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (C.J.E.); (A.A.V.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Adela A. Vitug
- Augmenta Bioworks, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (C.J.E.); (A.A.V.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Steven J. Henry
- Augmenta Bioworks, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (C.J.E.); (A.A.V.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Dikoma C. Shungu
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; (D.C.S.); (X.M.)
| | - Xiangling Mao
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; (D.C.S.); (X.M.)
| | - Susan M. Levine
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (A.J.O.); (K.A.G.); (S.M.L.)
| | - Maureen R. Hanson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (A.J.O.); (K.A.G.); (S.M.L.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Ruiz-Pablos M, Paiva B, Montero-Mateo R, Garcia N, Zabaleta A. Epstein-Barr Virus and the Origin of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Immunol 2021; 12:656797. [PMID: 34867935 PMCID: PMC8634673 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.656797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) affects approximately 1% of the general population. It is a chronic, disabling, multi-system disease for which there is no effective treatment. This is probably related to the limited knowledge about its origin. Here, we summarized the current knowledge about the pathogenesis of ME/CFS and revisit the immunopathobiology of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Given the similarities between EBV-associated autoimmune diseases and cancer in terms of poor T cell surveillance of cells with EBV latency, expanded EBV-infected cells in peripheral blood and increased antibodies against EBV, we hypothesize that there could be a common etiology generated by cells with EBV latency that escape immune surveillance. Albeit inconclusive, multiple studies in patients with ME/CFS have suggested an altered cellular immunity and augmented Th2 response that could result from mechanisms of evasion to some pathogens such as EBV, which has been identified as a risk factor in a subset of ME/CFS patients. Namely, cells with latency may evade the immune system in individuals with genetic predisposition to develop ME/CFS and in consequence, there could be poor CD4 T cell immunity to mitogens and other specific antigens, as it has been described in some individuals. Ultimately, we hypothesize that within ME/CFS there is a subgroup of patients with DRB1 and DQB1 alleles that could confer greater susceptibility to EBV, where immune evasion mechanisms generated by cells with latency induce immunodeficiency. Accordingly, we propose new endeavors to investigate if anti-EBV therapies could be effective in selected ME/CFS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Medica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Nicolas Garcia
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Medica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aintzane Zabaleta
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Medica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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19
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A Comprehensive Examination of Severely Ill ME/CFS Patients. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9101290. [PMID: 34682970 PMCID: PMC8535418 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One in four myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients are estimated to be severely affected by the disease, and these house-bound or bedbound patients are currently understudied. Here, we report a comprehensive examination of the symptoms and clinical laboratory tests of a cohort of severely ill patients and healthy controls. The greatly reduced quality of life of the patients was negatively correlated with clinical depression. The most troublesome symptoms included fatigue (85%), pain (65%), cognitive impairment (50%), orthostatic intolerance (45%), sleep disturbance (35%), post-exertional malaise (30%), and neurosensory disturbance (30%). Sleep profiles and cognitive tests revealed distinctive impairments. Lower morning cortisol level and alterations in its diurnal rhythm were observed in the patients, and antibody and antigen measurements showed no evidence for acute infections by common viral or bacterial pathogens. These results highlight the urgent need of developing molecular diagnostic tests for ME/CFS. In addition, there was a striking similarity in symptoms between long COVID and ME/CFS, suggesting that studies on the mechanism and treatment of ME/CFS may help prevent and treat long COVID and vice versa.
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