Stem cell exosomes to probe immune cell problems in ME/CFS
MSC exosomes as probes for ME/CSF immune cell dysfunction
This project tests whether tiny packets from bone‑marrow stem cells can reveal immune and energy problems in people with ME/CFS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nova Southeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237600 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to help researchers study tiny vesicles called exosomes made by bone‑marrow mesenchymal stem cells and how they interact with immune cells and body fluids linked to ME/CFS. In the lab, scientists will expose patient immune cells (and possibly cerebrospinal fluid samples) to these exosomes to see whether they change immune activity or cellular energy processes. The team will analyze proteins, RNAs, and cell behavior to map immune and metabolic dysfunction that may underlie symptoms. Some parallel experiments may use animal models to test mechanisms and safety before human applications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of ME/CFS who are willing to provide blood samples (and possibly cerebrospinal fluid if requested) would be the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without ME/CFS or those unwilling to provide biospecimens would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify immune or metabolic signatures that point to new targeted treatments or diagnostic tests for ME/CFS.
How similar studies have performed: MSC‑derived exosomes have shown immune‑modulating and tissue‑protective effects in several animal models and early human research, but applying them specifically to ME/CFS is largely new.
Where this research is happening
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES
- Nova Southeastern University — Fort Lauderdale-Davie, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beljanski, Vladimir — Nova Southeastern University
- Study coordinator: Beljanski, Vladimir
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.