Herpesvirus Infection of Endothelial Cells as a Systemic Pathological Axis in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Nunes, Jean M ORCID: 0000-0003-2584-021X, Kell, Douglas B ORCID: 0000-0001-5838-7963 and Pretorius, Etheresia ORCID: 0000-0002-9108-2384 (2024) Herpesvirus Infection of Endothelial Cells as a Systemic Pathological Axis in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Viruses, 16 (4). p. 572.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/v16040572

Abstract

<jats:p>Understanding the pathophysiology of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is critical for advancing treatment options. This review explores the novel hypothesis that a herpesvirus infection of endothelial cells (ECs) may underlie ME/CFS symptomatology. We review evidence linking herpesviruses to persistent EC infection and the implications for endothelial dysfunction, encompassing blood flow regulation, coagulation, and cognitive impairment—symptoms consistent with ME/CFS and Long COVID. This paper provides a synthesis of current research on herpesvirus latency and reactivation, detailing the impact on ECs and subsequent systemic complications, including latent modulation and long-term maladaptation. We suggest that the chronicity of ME/CFS symptoms and the multisystemic nature of the disease may be partly attributable to herpesvirus-induced endothelial maladaptation. Our conclusions underscore the necessity for further investigation into the prevalence and load of herpesvirus infection within the ECs of ME/CFS patients. This review offers conceptual advances by proposing an endothelial infection model as a systemic mechanism contributing to ME/CFS, steering future research toward potentially unexplored avenues in understanding and treating this complex syndrome.</jats:p>

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Infectious Diseases, Neurosciences, 2.1 Biological and endogenous factors, 2 Aetiology, Disputed aetiology and other
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	23 Apr 2024 14:29
Last Modified:	04 May 2024 03:12
DOI:	10.3390/v16040572
Related URLs:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3180541