Journal of IiME Volume 7 Issue 1 book chapters and one provisional patent. In 2008 Dr Marshall was joint leader of the Bond University team responsible for developing the BioSMART program. The team was awarded a prestigious Australian Teaching and Learning Council Award (formerly known as the Carrick Award) for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning and for the quality of student learning over a sustained period of time. Abstract: Immunological and molecular markers for defining Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis S.M. Marshall-Gradisnik1,2*, T.K. Huth1,2, K. Fuller1,2, M. Kapur1,2, S. Johnston1,2, S.B. Ramos1,2, D.R. Staines2, 3and E.W. Brenu1, 2 1. School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia 2. The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. 3. Queensland Health, Gold Coast Public Health Unit, Robina, Australia Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is disorder with hallmarks of varying changes in immune cells and molecular related mechanisms. Decreased cytotoxic activity of innate and acquired immune cells together with increased CD4+,CD25+,FOXP3 regulatory T cells (Tregs) are consistent in CFS/ME patients, while cytokine profiles and immune cell phenotypes have produced equivocal results. MicroRNA and B cell investigations have also provided potential insight into additional immunological and genetic markers for CFS/ME. More recently investigations of NK phenotypes, dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils, B cells, T cells, γδT cells and Tregs as well as cytotoxic activity, expression of cell surface receptors, adhesion molecules, intracellular proteins and cytokine secretion have been reported for CFS/ME patients. Collectively these studies are reviewed, suggesting comprehensive dysregulation of the immunological response in CFS/ME suggesting impaired immune functioning characterised by inadequacies in eliminating pathogens and restoring immune tolerance. (May 2013) Clinical Immunology and Research on B-cell Abnormalities in ME Patients Dr Amolak Bansal Consultant Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology, Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Surrey, UK Dr. Bansal trained in immunology and allergy from 1989 to 1993 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Manchester and at Hope Hospital in Salford. From here he spent five years (1993-1997) as Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Clinical Immunology in the Department of Medicine at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. From 1997 to the present date Dr. Bansal has worked as a Consultant in Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology at Epsom and St Helier University Hospital. Dr Bansal’s key interests lie in allergy, autoimmunity, CFS/ME and immunodeficiency. Abstract: B and T cell dysregulation in patients with CFS/ME Bansal AS, Bradley AS, B. Ford B Sutton CFS Service and Department of Immunology, St. Helier University Hospital NHS Trust, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 1AA. Low level autoimmunity is frequently evident in patients with CFS. However, CFS patients do not have the clinical features or the repertoire of autoantibodies seen in the commonly recognised systemic connective disorders or organ specific autoimmunity. Nonetheless, B cell depletion using Ritiximab has shown benefit in CFS. Furthermore Invest in ME (Charity Nr. 1114035) www.investinme.org Page 29 of 36
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