Immunopathogenesis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)

Abstract

A recent study on the pathogenesis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has revealed an elevation of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the sera and cerebrospinal fluids of the patients and presence of autoantibodies in subgroups of ME/CFS patients. Furthermore, investigator-initiated clinical trials have proved the efficacy of anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab), that eliminate B cells, in the treatment of ME/CFS. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that immune abnormalities, such as enhanced autoimmune responses, may play an essential role in the neuroinflammatory pathogenesis of ME/CFS.