Bioactive peptides in ME/CFS: the link between inflammatory and neurological disturbances
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multisystem disease. Many patients experience symptoms related to chronic inflammation. These may be caused by specific proteins, known as bioactive peptides, which can significantly influence various physiological systems and processes throughout the body.
This project investigates how these peptides contribute to ME/CFS. Researchers will measure levels of bioactive peptides and inflammatory markers in patients with very severe ME/CFS, as this group is expected to show the strongest biological signals and present the highest likelihood of new insights.
Because these patients are often unable to travel, all measurements are performed in their homes. The inclusion of severely affected patients is crucial for a better understanding of the disease process. In the future, this knowledge may make it possible to explore existing medications used for other conditions with similar underlying mechanisms as potential treatments for ME/CFS.
Objective
The objective of this project is to deepen the understanding of ME/CFS by examining bioactive peptides and related molecules, including the enzyme neprilysin (also known as CD10), These are substances in the human body that may play a role in the disease process.
An innovative Point-of-Care (PoC) technology will be used, enabling diagnostic tests to be performed directly in patients’ homes. This is a unique approach worldwide and allows the inclusion of patients who are too ill to visit a clinic. The researchers aim to identify objective disease markers that can improve both diagnosis and treatment options for ME/CFS.
Approach / Method
The study uses a mobile laboratory that enables rapid and precise testing in the homes of severely ill patients. Researchers will measure inflammatory cells and bioactive peptides in the blood to create a detailed picture of immune function and abnormalities associated with ME/CFS.
Patients will also use wearable devices to monitor heart rate and movement, providing data on how the nervous system responds.
Another aspect of the study focuses on the enzyme neprilysin, found in immune cells. Neprilysin breaks down certain bioactive peptides and may provide important indications about the role of the immune system in ME/CFS.
Using advanced molecular and analytical techniques, the researchers will identify and quantify substances in the blood to better understand how immune cells and proteins interact in ME/CFS.
Collaboration Partners
This project is part of the Netherlands ME/CFS Cohort and Biobank (NMCB (NMCB), a national research consortium dedicated to advancing biomedical understanding of ME/CFS. The project collaborates with universities and hospitals across the Netherlands, creating a large and diverse patient research cohort.
In addition, this project also collaborates with clinicians who treat ME/CFS patients and international experts in the field. Importantly, patients and their representatives are actively involved in the project’s design and implementation. Their input ensures that the research remains both scientifically rigorous and patient-centered.
Expected Results
The study aims to identify new biological markers for ME/CFS that could serve as the foundation for improved diagnostic tests and therapeutic approaches.
By uncovering how and why bioactive peptides are involved in ME/CFS symptoms, the researchers hope to clarify key disease mechanisms. The ultimate goal is to provide patients with greater understanding of their illness, to discover new targeted treatments, and to improve the quality of life for people with ME/CFS.