IMMME | Münchner Chronische Fatigue Centrum für junge Menschen (MCFC)

Myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic multisystem disorder that typically leads to a substantial reduction in quality of life and social participation. Individuals with severe or very severe ME/CFS are often confined to their homes or beds, and some require nursing care. The cardinal symptoms include profound fatigue associated with impaired daily functioning, as well as a worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or cognitive exertion, referred to as post-exertional malaise (PEM). These symptoms commonly occur in combination with sleep disturbances, pain, cognitive impairment affecting concentration and memory, circulatory dysfunction, and flu-like symptoms. The pathogenesis of ME/CFS is not yet fully understood, and reliable biomarkers and causal treatment approaches are still lacking. Consequently, diagnosis and treatment remain symptom-based and highly complex.

Preliminary findings suggest that dysregulation of the immune system, metabolism, and the autonomic nervous system may contribute to the development of ME/CFS. Several studies have described the role of altered, naturally occurring regulatory autoantibodies (AABs) directed against G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. In this context, both elevated levels of GPCR-specific AABs and altered binding or epitope specificity may contribute to immunological, autonomic, and metabolic dysfunction.

The IMMME collaborative project, coordinated by Charité Berlin, aims to investigate immune dysregulation and its association with autonomic and mitochondrial dysfunction in ME/CFS in greater detail. To this end, blood samples and clinical registry data from carefully characterized patients are being analyzed through comprehensive investigations conducted by interdisciplinary project partners. The resulting medical and biological data are evaluated using bioinformatic approaches to improve the understanding of the pathomechanisms underlying post-infectious ME/CFS and to support the development of diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic strategies. Our center contributes clinical data and biosamples from adolescents and young adults up to 25 years of age to the project and, in collaboration with the Helmholtz Center Munich, focuses on deciphering antiviral and autoimmune responses in the context of ME/CFS.