Investigating the role of Human Herpesvirus 6B in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Official title: Human Herpesvirus 6B in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome pathogenesis: temporal analysis of viral reactivation and immunity to elucidate cause vs effect
Funded at London Sch/hygiene & Tropical Medicine · NIH-10903798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a virus called Human Herpesvirus 6B might be linked to the symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) by collecting blood and saliva samples from people with ME/CFS, Long COVID, and healthy individuals to see how the virus affects the immune system over time.
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 start | September 9, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $510,930 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170839-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-60 with a diagnosis of ME/CFS or Long COVID presenting ME/CFS symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have ME/CFS, Long COVID, or related symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Human Herpesvirus 6B may contribute to the symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). By analyzing blood and saliva samples from a diverse group of participants, including those with ME/CFS, Long COVID, and healthy controls, the study aims to determine whether viral reactivation is a cause or a consequence of immune system dysfunction. Participants will undergo clinical assessments and provide biosamples over a longitudinal period to track changes and associations related to the virus. The research seeks to clarify the relationship between viral activity and the severity of ME/CFS symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potentially new treatment options for patients suffering from ME/CFS and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding viral contributions to chronic illnesses, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
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London Sch/hygiene & Tropical Medicine
London, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lacerda, Eliana — London Sch/hygiene & Tropical Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lacerda, Eliana
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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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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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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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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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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.