Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe and complex disease for which no effective treatment has yet been established. A defining feature is post-exertional malaise (PEM), a pronounced worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion.

The BioSig-PEM research consortium investigates the biological mechanisms underlying different PEM phenotypes and aims to establish a scientific basis for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. To achieve this, the partners combine comprehensive clinical phenotyping with immunometabolic profiling, multimodal brain imaging and the analysis of endothelial and host-microbiome-related markers.

By integrating these approaches, the consortium seeks to identify central pathobiological signatures associated with Post-COVID ME/CFS.

In close collaboration with Jena University Hospital, the Leibniz IPHT contributes its expertise in Raman spectroscopy. Researchers analyze blood samples from Post-COVID ME/CFS patients to identify disease-specific molecular signatures in an objective and non-invasive manner.

This spectroscopic approach is expected to provide new insights into individual PEM phenotypes and support the development of mechanism-based strategies for diagnosis and treatment.