Cell Morphology, Cell Deformability and Microclots in ME/CFS

The project is being conducted as part of a PhD study and investigates changes in cell morphology and deformability, as well as the presence of microclots, in patients with ME/CFS. It also aims to determine whether these changes can be used for diagnosis and as prognostic markers in treatment trials. Using deformability cytometry, blood samples from 500 patients with ME/CFS — both post-COVID and non-COVID-associated — are being examined and compared with age- and sex-matched control subjects who have recovered from COVID-19. Additionally, samples are being analysed from patients participating in treatment trials conducted by the National Clinical Studies Group ME/CFS and Post-COVID Syndrome (NKSG). This is intended to provide insights into how changes in blood cells and the presence of microclots might influence treatment outcomes. The results will be analysed in conjunction with other clinical measurements and laboratory values. By detecting changes in blood cells and the presence of microclots, the study seeks to determine whether ME/CFS can be distinguished from other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or tumor diseases. Samples from patients with a history of COVID-19 are also being examined to see if SARS-CoV-2-specific spike protein can be detected inside the microclots. Finally, the identified biomarkers will be evaluated for their suitability in the specific diagnosis of ME/CFS and post-COVID syndrome. To gain a better understanding of the underlying causes of the disease, blood samples are also being analysed for changes in the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium) and the coagulation system, as well as for autoantibody-induced blood clotting and the persistent presence of bacteria or viruses (e.g. SARS-CoV-2 or Epstein-Barr virus proteins). Lastly, laboratory investigations will evaluate how the administration of blood plasma from the various patients' samples affects cultures of healthy cells (in vitro).