The group of Dr. Takashi Yamamura, Department of Immunology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, has reported the results of research that could be a blood diagnostic biomarker in myopathic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
ME/CFS is a chronic disease of unknown cause that makes it difficult to lead a daily life with symptoms such as strong fatigue and weakness for over a year. It is one of the diseases for which diagnosis is difficult and the elucidation of the pathological condition and the development of treatment methods have not progressed because the symptoms are hard to appear in the blood and brain imaging test. Using our B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoire analysis, the research group discovered that specific B-cell receptors are increasing in the patient group. This discovery may lead to the diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS, and further research is expected to be promoted.
This research was conducted as a comprehensive research and development project for persons with disabilities by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).
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