Question
I keep reading research paper reports which refer to immune system dysfunction or exhaustion and abnormalities with what are called T-cells in ME/CFS. Could you explain in language that non-scientists can understand what T-cells are and how abnormalities in T-cells could be causing ME/CFS and/or providing clues for possible drug treatment?
Answer
The body's immune system is a bit like an orchestra in that it has a large number of different components, each with specific functions. And if one component is either missing or not functioning properly, then a key part of the immune response to an infection may be missing. One defective component can easily have an adverse effect on the way in which the whole immune system then co-ordinates and responds to an infection.
Among the different components to the immune system orchestra are B-cells (which produce antibodies), NK/natural killer cells, T-cells, antibodies, autoantibodies, macrophages and immune-system chemicals called cytokines. Abnormalities involving all of these components, not always consistent or significant, have been reported in ME/CFS.
T-cells, also known as T-lymphocytes, are a form of white blood cell that helps the body to fight infections – bacterial and viral – and harmful cells like cancer cells. There are two main types. Cytotoxic T-cells, also known as CD8+ cells, which destroy infected cells and tumour cells. Helper T-cells, also known as CD4+ cells, don't attack infections directly but send out signals that direct other immune system cells – B-cells, cytotoxic T-cells and macrophages – to co-ordinate an attack on an infection. There are also regulatory T-cells which can reduce the activity of T-cells when needed.
T-cells are also important because they continue to provide protection. These are called memory T-cells, because they can remember a previous infection, and allow the immune system to react quickly if the infection returns.
As you say, there are now a growing number of research studies which indicate that some form of significant T-cell dysfunction is occurring in ME/CFS. Of particular importance is a recent study from the ME/CFS Biobank which found significant differences in immune system dysfunction between people with moderate and severe ME/CFS involving a form of T-cell exhaustion.
More information:
Related Categories
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
We recommend that the medical information is discussed with your doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalised medical advice or treatment. You should consult your doctor whenever a new symptom arises, or an existing symptom worsens. It is important to obtain medical advice that considers other causes and possible treatments. Do not assume that new or worsened symptoms are solely because of ME/CFS or Long Covid.