Journal of IiMER Finding, Facilitating, Funding Research into ME Part of the development of the UK Centre of Excellence for ME consists of involving medical students in the research by intercalating in their fourth year of medical studies, and facilitating and encouraging students to look for a career in researching ME. An example recently demonstrate the benefits in our strategy of having medical students involved in research into ME. Navena Navaneetharaja and Verity Griffiths have been involved in the gut microbiota research in Norwich Research Park. Navena also spent several months with Professor Maureen Hanson at Cornell University in New York, USA. They produced a paper together with Professors Wileman and Carding from the Centre that provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence supporting an infectious aetiology for ME/CFS. This led the authors to propose the novel concept that the intestinal microbiota and in particular members of the virome are a source of the “infectious “trigger of the disease. Such an approach has the potential to identify disease biomarkers and influence therapeutics. The paper is - A Role for the Intestinal Microbiota and Virome in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)? Abstract from the Paper Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a heterogeneous disorder of significant societal impact that is proposed to involve both host and environmentally derived aetiologies that may be autoimmune in nature. Immune-related symptoms of at least moderate severity persisting for prolonged periods of time are common in ME/CFS patients and B cell depletion therapy is of significant therapeutic benefit. The origin of these symptoms and whether it is infectious or inflammatory in nature is not clear, with seeking evidence of acute or chronic virus www.investinme.org infections contributing to the induction of autoimmune processes in ME/CFS being an area of recent interest. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence supporting an infectious aetiology for ME/CFS leading us to propose the novel concept that the intestinal microbiota and in particular members of the virome are a source of the “infectious” trigger of the disease. Such an approach has the potential to identify disease biomarkers and influence therapeutics, providing muchneeded approaches in preventing and managing a disease desperately in need of confronting. http://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/5/6/55 Another paper produced from IiMER funded research at UCL was released recently. Fane Mensah produced a paper with Dr Amolak Bansal, Brian Ford and Dr Jo Cambridge Chronic fatigue syndrome and the immune system: Where are we now? Abstract from the Paper Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterised by multiple symptoms including fatigue, headaches and cognitive impairment, which have a significantly adverse effect on the normal functioning and wellbeing of the individual. These symptoms are often triggered or worsened following physical or mental exertion. ME/CFS has long been thought of as having a significant immunological component, but reports describing changes in immune function are often inconsistent between study groups. Although the wide range of physical, neurocognitive and autonomic symptoms reported have seriously hampered attempts to understand pathophysiological pathways, investment in Page 16 of 82
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