Immune system changes in ME/CFS

Immune dysfunction in ME/CFS

NIH-funded research Cornell University · NIH-11501142

This project looks at how immune cells and platelets are altered in people with ME/CFS to better understand the illness.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCornell University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ithaca, United States)
Project IDNIH-11501142 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From a patient perspective, researchers are comparing blood immune cells from people with ME/CFS to those from people without the condition to find what is different. They will use multiomic lab techniques to study gene regulation in monocytes and perform lab tests of monocyte function, and they will also examine platelet changes. The work focuses on the immune components our team has already found to be most affected in ME/CFS, like classical monocytes, platelets, and some T cell subsets. The goal is to pinpoint specific immune disruptions that could explain symptoms and point to future tests or treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with a clinical diagnosis of ME/CFS who can provide blood samples and clinical information would be the ideal participants.

Not a fit: People without ME/CFS or those hoping for an immediate new therapy are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic-research project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify immune causes of ME/CFS and point toward new diagnostic markers or treatment targets.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have reported immune differences in ME/CFS, but using integrated multiomic analyses focused on monocytes and platelets is a newer, exploratory approach.

Where this research is happening

Ithaca, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.