Published on 13 September, 2024

In an exciting new development, a team of esteemed researchers led by Professor Douglas Kell from the University of Liverpool, alongside Professor E. Pretorius and M. Nunes from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, has published a groundbreaking article investigating the role of herpes viruses in endothelial and vascular dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E./CFS) and Long COVID.

Exploring the Research Findings

The August 2024 article, titled “Herpesvirus Infection of Endothelial Cells as a Systemic Pathological Axis in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,”  explores how herpes viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), may contribute to the chronic symptoms and multisystemic nature of M.E./CFS. The research suggests that these viruses can infect endothelial cells, leading to significant dysfunction in these cells, which are crucial for regulating blood flow, inflammation, and vascular health.

The study reveals that patients with M.E./CFS experience disturbed and reduced blood flow, especially in the brain, which may explain some of the cognitive and neurological symptoms associated with the condition. These findings align with earlier work by the same team, which identified high levels of amyloid fibrin(ogen) microclots in M.E./CFS patients—similar to those implicated in Long COVID.

The Herpesvirus Connection

Herpesviruses like EBV and HHV-6 are known to establish latency in the body, reactivating under certain conditions and potentially wreaking havoc on the vascular system. The researchers emphasise that endothelial cells, which line blood vessels and facilitate critical functions such as gas exchange and waste clearance, can be infected by these viruses. Dysfunction in these cells can lead to severe pathologies, including impaired blood flow and increased risk of clotting disorders.

The article highlights the troubling association between EBV and HHV-6 infections and reduced cerebral blood flow, particularly in specific brain regions. The researchers also note that HHV-6 has been linked to encephalopathy characterised by reduced blood flow in the frontal lobe and coronary microcirculation issues. The study further connects EBV infection with severe cardiovascular complications, including myocarditis, vasculitis, and even stroke.

Implications for M.E./CFS and Long COVID Patients

The potential link between herpes viruses and vascular dysfunction in M.E./CFS and Long COVID is both alarming and promising. On the one hand, it underscores the complexity of these conditions and the need for more comprehensive research. On the other, it opens up new possibilities for therapeutic interventions that could target these underlying viral infections, offering hope to millions of sufferers worldwide.

This pioneering article by Professor Kell and his colleagues represents a significant step forward in understanding the pathophysiology of M.E./CFS and Long COVID. As the research community continues to explore these connections, we may soon see the development of new treatments that address the root causes of these debilitating conditions.

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