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

Jean M NunesDouglas B KellDouglas B Kell
Published in: Viruses (2024)
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.
Keyphrases
  • endothelial cells
  • blood flow
  • high glucose
  • risk factors
  • sleep quality
  • sars cov
  • case report
  • drug induced
  • end stage renal disease
  • depressive symptoms
  • patient reported outcomes
  • stress induced