Investigating Long COVID as a type of chronic fatigue syndrome
Official title: Long COVID as a putative subtype of chronic fatigue syndrome
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10903937 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how Long COVID works and what might make some people more likely to experience it, especially since it has symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome, to help find better treatments for those who are struggling with these ongoing issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $351,594 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170850-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903937 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced Long COVID symptoms following a COVID-19 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with COVID-19 or do not exhibit symptoms of Long COVID may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the biological mechanisms and risk factors associated with Long COVID, which shares symptoms with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). By analyzing data from multiple biobanks and a genetics working group, the study will explore genetic risk factors and immune responses in individuals affected by Long COVID. The goal is to determine whether Long COVID can be classified as a subtype of CFS, potentially leading to better treatment options for patients suffering from these debilitating symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from Long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated potential links between infectious triggers and chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saxena, Richa — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Saxena, Richa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Long COVID as a possible subtype of chronic fatigue syndrome
A study at a major hospital will look at whether Long COVID shares biology with chronic fatigue syndrome and what genetic and immune factors may link them.
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Is Long COVID a subtype of chronic fatigue syndrome?
This project looks at whether people with Long COVID share the same genetic and immune signs as people with chronic fatigue syndrome by analyzing large collections of patient data.
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Long COVID may be a form of chronic fatigue syndrome
This project looks for shared genetic and immune causes in people with Long COVID and people with chronic fatigue syndrome to explain lingering symptoms.
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Human Herpesvirus 6B and ME/CFS: does the virus cause or follow immune problems?
A study to see if HHV-6B reactivation is a cause or result of immune problems in people with ME/CFS, using long-term follow-up and biosamples from patients and controls.
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HHV-6B (a common herpesvirus) and its link to ME/CFS and Long COVID
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.
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Investigating T Cell Responses in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
This study is looking at how a type of immune cell called T cells behaves in people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) compared to healthy individuals, to help uncover clues about the condition and find better ways to treat it.
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.