GPCR autoantibodies in ME/CFS and brain alterations

Prof Takashi Yamamura presented research on the association of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) antibodies with brain changes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of ME/CFS patients revealed structural brain changes, for example, in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus. This is a fiber bundle that connects the frontal lobe with other brain regions and plays an important role in language processing and the integration of sensory information. Alterations in these areas could be associated with typical ME/CFS symptoms such as speech and memory impairments. Furthermore, GPCR antibodies were found to be associated with changes in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This brain region is involved in higher cognitive functions such as action planning and reasoning. These findings could indicate that the neurocognitive symptoms in ME/CFS can be explained by autoimmune reactions against the nervous system. In addition, it has been shown that the duration of the disease is related to structural changes in the right frontal operculum, in which part of the language center is located.