Subgrouping Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients by Genetic and Immune Profiling

We have an Interdisciplinary project testing approximately 600 samples each in two novel methodsCyTOF-phosphoflow and HLA Typing to help us understand the underlying genetic and immune system roles between CFS cases and controls. For the CyTOF Phospho-flow testing, there will be continuous testing until we finish all the samples that need to be completed. We have also taken a preliminary look at the data to get a sense of the output and the possible statistical analysis that could be performed once all the data is in. We will continue to work on the best statistical methods as more data becomes available. For the HLA typing testing, we are taking the necessary steps to complete the testing and look forward to studying the results. We have finished the DNA isolation and anticipate the HLA testing to be completed this upcoming year. We want to interrogate the different HLA types and take into account possible genetic and environmental exposures. The goal is to see if genetic make-up or specific antigen at the HLA level that makes you more susceptible to have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome CFS or any differences between the cases and controls. In order to extract the best information on these patients, more HLA patient data needs to be included.