Potential therapeutic target or biomarker of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

This technology describes a mechanistic pathway of immunosuppression that contributes to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) that could serve as a biomarker or potential therapeutic target.

Unmet Need: Mechanism and etiology of ME/CFS

ME/CFS is a debilitating and heterogenous condition, which is poorly understood with no biomarkers to characterize disease phenotypes or analyze treatment efficacy. There are currently no well-defined relationships between immunologic, metabolic, or gastrointestinal dysfunction and clinical presentation. As such, there are no pharmacological therapeutics specifically geared for symptomatic relief.

The Technology: Immune response defect in ME/CFS

This technology identifies a defect in the immune response of patients with ME/CFS linked to enteropathy, compromised intestinal barrier function, and specific metabolic defects. As such, the identified immunosuppression may be remedied with specific metabolic or immunoregulatory alterations, providing a pharmacological therapy. Disease states may also be diagnosed and monitored for response to treatment with the specific immune response defect as a biomarker.

This technology has been validated by data from human subjects at rest and in an exercise challenge.

Applications:

  • Diagnostic assays for ME/CFS
  • Therapeutic target for ME/CFS
  • Therapeutic response monitoring for ME/CFS
  • Research tool for analysis of ME/CFS to study post-exertional malaise, immunosuppression, and intestinal dysfunction

Advantages:

  • Defect relates to clinical presentation
  • Defect presents in patients in rest and exercise

Lead Inventor:

Armin Alaedini, Ph.D.

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference: