Search
Close this search box.

T cells and Immunology

Beginning in 2016, the aim of this study was to establish the role of T cells and the immune system in ME/CFS by examining the genetic material in T cells – immune cells that identify and kill infected cells.

  • Michael Sikora
  • Mark M. Davis, PhD
  • Lars M. Steinmetz, PhD
  • Ronald W. Davis, PhD

Coming soon…

STUDY HYPOTHESIS AND DESCRIPTION

The rationale is that aspects of of genetic material in these cells can inform whether they are actively fighting an infection and potentially what the cause of the infection is.

Many studies have shown that the immune system is affected in ME/CFS patients, e.g., low activity of NK cells, altered levels of cytokines (signaling molecules of the immune system), and the likelihood of a microbial infection preceding the illness. None of these studies are yet to implicate T cells or define their activity in ME/CFS patients.

 OBJECTIVES

The investigation of the immunological basis of ME/CFS will have several parts that overall will help determine if ME/CFS is an autoimmune disease and what immune factors may be triggering ME/CFS or sustaining it as a chronic disease.

Dr. Mark Davis’ team is investigating the clonal expansion of T cells in ME/CFS, including what they might be targeting – viruses, bacteria, or self (autoimmune).

Dr. Ron Davis’ team has invented a highly accurate, cost-effective method for HLA gene sequencing and a very sensitive method for detecting viral DNA as a sign of viral infections, which he is using in this project.

Dr. Lars Steinmetz’ team has developed effective methods for sequencing RNA from single T cells, which they are using to understand how T cell behavior may be different in ME/CFS.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS) Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), Fibromyalgia Leading Research. Delivering Hope.Open Medicine Foundation®

What are the advantages of giving from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?

  • Your gifts to your donor advised fund entitle you to an immediate income tax deduction at the time of contribution.
  • You avoid capital gains tax on appreciated assets you place in your donor advised fund.
  • Your fund’s investment gains accumulate tax free.
  • Funds are distributed to Open Medicine Foundation in your name and immediately put to use to support our worldwide research efforts.


How do I make a donation through my DAF?

Just click on the DAF widget below. It is simple and convenient to find your fund among the over 900 funds in our system.

Still can’t find your fund? 

  • Request a grant distribution through your Donor Advised Fund sponsor
  • Be sure to use OMF’s EIN #26-4712664
  • You can also designate OMF as a beneficiary for your Donor Advised Fund
  • Questions? Give us a call at 650-242-8669