Investigating immune cell function in ME/CFS and Long Covid
Official title: Correlating neutrophil function and plasma cytokine profiles with progression of ME/CFS and Long-Covid/PASC
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10747979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system works in people with Myalgic Encephalitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid, by checking the behavior of certain immune cells in their blood, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 5, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $210,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS130147-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10747979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with ME/CFS or Long Covid, as well as healthy controls for comparison.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to immune dysfunction or those not diagnosed with ME/CFS or Long Covid may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the immune response in patients with Myalgic Encephalitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long Covid/Post-Acute Sequelae of Covid (PASC). By using innovative microfluidic assays, the study examines how neutrophils, a type of immune cell, function in these conditions compared to healthy individuals. Blood samples will be collected from participants to assess neutrophil behavior and inflammatory markers, aiming to uncover shared mechanisms between ME/CFS and Long Covid. The findings could lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these debilitating conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients suffering from ME/CFS and Long Covid.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential links between immune dysfunction and both ME/CFS and Long Covid, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ellett, Felix — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ellett, Felix
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Defining neutrophil biology in pediatric Long COVID
This project looks at why some kids develop Long COVID by studying neutrophils to help find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
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Advancing Long COVID Care in Our Community through Access and Collaboration
A community-focused project to make long COVID care more accessible and equitable for people in St. Louis and rural Missouri.
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Pediatric Long COVID Care Network: Improving access and coordinated care for children
A nationwide pediatric program is testing a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to help children with long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
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Comunidad: Expanding Long COVID care in underserved South Texas
A new program will broaden and coordinate Long COVID care for underserved communities in San Antonio and South Texas to improve access and outcomes.
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Atlanta Long COVID Coordinated Care Model for Diverse Populations
A regional program in Atlanta aims to improve access and coordination of care for people with Long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
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Long COVID Care Resources and Education to Improve Community Health
A program to support federally-qualified health centers in providing better Long COVID care through education, a shared hub, and easy referral pathways for underserved communities.
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.