OMF Australia logo
Main Menu
Donate
Sign Up

Characterising B cells in ME/CFS

STUDY AIM
This study aims to broadly evaluate B cell subsets, metabolism, viability, receptors, and antibodies in people with ME/CFS.
INVESTIGATORS
  • Christopher Armstrong, PhD
  • Paul Gooley, PhD
  • Jo Cambridge, PhD
Results / Reason for Discontinuation

Preliminary studies using immunoadsorption and/or plasmapheresis to remove the antibodies show positive effects in at least a subpopulation of ME/CFS patients.

STUDY HYPOTHESIS AND DESCRIPTION

A number of anomalies in B cells have been observed in the few studies conducted on ME/CFS patients. We want to expand this area of research to better understand these changes and determine if there are any potential anomalies in antibody production or metabolism that could be driving altered immune response.

 

OUTCOME SUMMARY

In this paper, we explored how the behaviour of B cells (a type of immune cell in the blood) differs between individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and healthy controls. Previous research had shown that B cells from ME/CFS patients had higher levels of a protein on the cell surface called CD24. We wanted to understand the connection between CD24, B cell energy metabolism, and mitochondrial mass.
 
We conducted experiments using purified B cells from both ME/CFS patients and healthy controls, stimulating the cells in a lab setting to observe changes. Each set of experiments on one patient’s cells took a week. It was quite intensive. This is why the population number is small, and we would call this a “preliminary” or “pilot study.”
 
Even with a small sample size, the detailed characterisation of the B cells was able to identify a few interesting details.
  • B cells from ME/CFS patients exhibited lower mitochondrial mass.
  • ME/CFS B cells took longer to lose CD24 protein from the surface when stimulated compared to those from healthy controls.
  • CD38 protein was found to be significantly increased in frequency and expression on ME/CFS B cells, CD38 protein is well known in the aging world as it dictates the reduction of NAD+, a critical molecule for mitochondrial energy production.
  • Metabolomic analysis showed that ME/CFS B cells consumed more essential amino acids during proliferation, suggesting an increased need for these substrates to support cell growth and survival. This aligns with previous findings of reduced amino acids in biological fluids from ME/CFS patients.
 
Overall, this study provides a detailed characterisation of B cell behaviour in ME/CFS, highlighting abnormalities in CD24 and CD38 expression, mitochondrial mass, and metabolic pathways. The findings suggest disruptions in normal energy production pathways in ME/CFS patients, emphasising the need for further research with larger sample sizes to validate these results and explore potential therapeutic implications.
Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram

Open Medicine Foundation Australia Limited is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). We are authorised by the Australian Tax Office as a deductible gift recipient (DGR). Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.

ABN 81 635 273 415

Open Medicine Foundation Australia Limited
C/O Accru Melbourne Pty Ltd
50 Camberwell Road
Hawthorn East VIC 3123

PRIVACY POLICY  | COOKIE POLICY | CONSENT | DISCLAIMERS

CONTACT US

Copyright © 2025 Open Medicine Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

OMF Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we operate, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We extend our respect to Elders past and present, recognising their enduring connection to country, knowledge, and stories.

!function(t,e,i,n,o,c,d,s){ t.tgbWidgetOptions={id:o,domain:n}, (d=e.createElement(i)).src=[n,"widget/script.js"].join(""), d.async=1, (s=e.getElementById(c)).parentNode.insertBefore(d,s) }(window,document,"script","https://tgbwidget.com/","1189132614","tgb-widget-script");

OMF Australia accepts donations of Cryptocurrencies

Make the most of your donation by donating your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies directly to OMF Australia rather than selling and donating the after-tax proceeds.

  • Your tax deduction will be equal to the fair market value of the donated cryptocurrency (as determined by a qualified appraisal).
  • Donors should consult with a tax advisor for properly recording this donation on a personal tax return.


OMF Australia can accept cryptocurrency donations of any amount. 

Donating cryptocurrency is a non-taxable event, meaning you do not owe capital gains tax on the appreciated amount and can deduct it on your taxes. This makes Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency donations one of the most tax-efficient ways to support your favorite cause. If you want to learn more about how donating crypto can lower your taxes, check out thegivingblock.com/faq.

Talk to a crypto-savvy tax professional or connect with The Giving Block to get connected with one.

We accept the following cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Zcash (ZEC), Gemini Dollar (GUSD), Basic Attention Token (BAT), Chainlink (LINK), 0x (ZRX), Storj (STORJ), Dai (DAI), Amp (AMP), The Graph (GRT), UMA (UMA), 1inch (1INCH).

ATO Crypto asset investment & tax