UMass Chan researchers receive $2.5M grant for post-viral illnesses
Photo | Courtesy of UMass Chan Medical School
UMass Chan Medical School researchers Dr. Liisa Selin and Anna Gil
On Wednesday, UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester announced that Dr. Liisa Selin, pathology professor and principal investigator, and Dr. Anna Gil, instructor in pathology, received a five-year, $2.5-million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Through the grant the researchers will continue their investigation into the links between myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and viral infections. They will also examine the role of malfunctioning T-cells.
The viral infection portion of the study now includes COVID-19, meaning that the research could assist those with long-term, post-viral illnesses from COVID-19, per the press release.
In preliminary studies, Selin and Gil found certain T-cells were altered in patients with chronic ME/CFS as compared to those who do not have ME/CFS. This suggests that an aberrant response to an immunological trigger, like infection, results in a permanently dysregulated immune system, according to the UMass Chan announcement.
“We hope our research translates into concrete help for patients,” said Selin.
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