Research highlighting the role of the immune system in ME/CFS has led some scientists to suggest that autoimmune mechanisms may play a role in the development of the disease. However, as ME/CFS is complex, and differs both between people, and within the same individual over time, findings have been inconsistent
Autoimmunity is a state in which your immune system mistakenly attacks – and damages, the body’s healthy cells.
Autoimmune diseases – many of which share symptoms with ME/CFS, include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Type 1 diabetes, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, and some thyroid conditions.
A paper published in BMC Immunology aimed to search for, and summarise all existing, peer-reviewed, published studies relating specifically to autoimmunity in ME/CFS.
The search identified that 10 papers had been published since 1994 on autoimmunity and ME/CFS. Amongst these papers:
- One investigated the role of cytokine signalling – a process that involves the release of small proteins – cytokines, to control the activity of other cells in the body, particularly immune and blood cells.
- Three considered the genetic nature – the genes and other hereditary factors that impact how a person develops, of autoimmunity in people with ME/CFS.
- One studied the immune lineage – the different types of cells that make up the immune system and how they are related to each other, in people with ME/CFS.
- Six reported on the presence, and role of, autoantibodies in ME/CFS
- Autoantibodies are antibodies – proteins produced by the immune system to recognise and neutralise foreign substances that enter the body, that mistakenly attack the body’s own cells and tissue.
While immune abnormalities – including increased levels of autoantibodies, have been observed in people with ME/CFS, the authors of the review article concluded that there is “inconsistent and insufficient evidence to classify ME/CFS as an autoimmune disease” – rather the findings from the 10 studies highlight the complexity of ME/CFS, and the urgent need for more research “to advance the development of diagnostic and treatment strategies”.
