HHV-6B (a common herpesvirus) and its link to ME/CFS and Long COVID
Human Herpesvirus 6B in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome pathogenesis: temporal analysis of viral reactivation and immunity to elucidate cause vs effect
This project will follow adults with ME/CFS, some with Long COVID, and healthy controls over time to find out whether reactivation of herpesvirus HHV-6B is linked to changes in symptoms and immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | London Sch/hygiene & Tropical Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (London, United Kingdom) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159442 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be invited through the UK ME/CFS Biobank to give blood and saliva samples and basic clinical information at multiple visits. The researchers will test samples for HHV-6B DNA and a range of immune markers and compare the timing of any viral reactivation with symptom changes. The study includes people with ME/CFS (including severe cases), a small Long COVID group with ME/CFS-like symptoms, short-COVID recoverees, and healthy controls. Measurements will be tracked over months to help define whether virus reactivation precedes or follows immune changes and symptom flares.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 18–60 with a confirmed diagnosis of ME/CFS, adults with Long COVID who meet ME/CFS criteria, and eligible healthy or post-COVID controls able to provide samples and attend follow-up visits.
Not a fit: Children, people outside the 18–60 age range, those unable or unwilling to provide blood/saliva samples or attend follow-up, or those without ME/CFS or Long COVID are unlikely to be eligible or directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could clarify whether HHV-6B contributes to ME/CFS symptoms and point toward targeted antiviral or immune-based treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Small earlier studies have suggested links between herpesviruses and ME/CFS but results are mixed, so this larger longitudinal design is relatively novel for clarifying cause versus effect.
Where this research is happening
London, United Kingdom
- London Sch/hygiene & Tropical Medicine — London, United Kingdom (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cliff, Jackie — London Sch/hygiene & Tropical Medicine
- Study coordinator: Cliff, Jackie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.