Natural Killer cell deficiency is a consistent finding in ME/CFS patients, in fact some researchers argue that NK (Natural Killer) cell measurement may be a diagnostic aid.
NK cells act as an immune surveillance against invading pathogens. NK cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) has been reported to be decreased in patients with ME/CFS.
journals.plos.org/plosone/a...
Identifying immunological mutations and correlating them with disease progression, symptom severity is an area receiving intense scrutiny.
Particularly vulnerable to opportunistic infections when previously little troubled by ill health that I was far too busy with all the demands of a very active lifestyle.
Immune system signatures mailman.columbia.edu/public... are robust evidence of the biological clinical signs.
That was me hyper system beginning then burned out.
B cell depletion used in the Rituximab trial and strong evidence for mutations of NK cell cytotoxicity indicate a spectrum of immune defects. An autoimmune disease that will require a broad spectrum of tests as time spent affected and severity of reactions, influence expected outcomes.
I have heard the analogy that researchers are looking at a battlefield the immune system has fought upon and are attempting a forensic reconstruction of events using evidence and educated guesswork.
Some idea we are sick before getting very sick please.
Dr LeFanu in the Telegraph asking for specific info re. PEM
Recruiting Patients for Gene Data Study with Nancy Klimas at Nova (*no travel necessary!*)
Great page to hand out re: ME