Neutrophil Assessment Platform

Neutrophil dysfunction (ND) is associated with chronic inflammation conditions. In ME/CFS, a small number of neutrophil studies indicated increased early apoptosis, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), up-regulation of a cytotoxic granule peptide emitted during neutrophil attacks, and decreased surface protein CD177, vital in neutrophil migration and bacteria killing activities. Yet, hallmarks of ND and possible sources of inflammation including abnormal migration and host attacks like neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis) remain unexamined.

We propose to extend the current knowledge of ND in ME/CFS. Thus, we will perform a multi-parameter analysis evaluating apoptosis, migration, ROS, and NETosis in both pre-and post-inflammation neutrophil populations to potentially discover a unique disease signature and provide much needed insight into inflammation mechanisms in ME/CFS.