Journal Article (Review Article)

DZNE-2026-00394

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Expert perspectives on Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - Insights from the 3rd International Conference of the Charité Fatigue Center.

Fehrer, A. ; Windzio, L. ; Schoening, S. ; Steiner, S. ; Aschenbrenner, A. C.DZNE* ; Babel, N. ; Behrends, U. ; Bellmann-Strobl, J. ; Cammà, G. ; Cash, A. ; Doehner, W. ; den Dunnen, J. ; Fluge, Ø. ; Franke, C. ; Hoffmann, K. ; Kedor, C. ; Kim, L. ; Löhden, W. ; Mella, O. ; Mihatsch, L. L. ; Peluso, M. J. ; Puta, C. ; Putrino, D. ; Ramoji, A. ; Sato, W. ; Sawitzki, B. ; Schlieper, G. ; Schoenfeld, Y. ; Seifert, M. ; Sigurdsson, F. ; Slaghekke, A. ; Sommerfelt, K. ; Sotzny, F. ; Stein, E. ; Steinacker, J. M. ; Stingl, M. ; Systrom, D. M. ; Tronstad, K. J. ; Wirth, K. ; Wörmann, B. ; Wüst, R. C. I. ; Yamamura, T. ; Scheibenbogen, C.

2026
Elsevier Science Amsterdam [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2026.104043

Abstract: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multisystemic disorder mostly triggered by viral infections, with core symptoms including post-exertional malaise (PEM), fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. Its prevalence has increased significantly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite its severity and impact on patients' quality of life, ME/CFS remains poorly understood. On May 12 and 13, 2025, the 3rd International Conference hosted by the Charité Fatigue Center brought together nearly 200 researchers from various disciplines on-site, and around 3,700 participants online to discuss recent advances in ME/CFS research, diagnostics, clinical care, and therapeutic trials. The program featured 33 lectures by international experts on key topics such as post-COVID syndrome (PCS), care structures, and pathophysiological mechanisms including cardiovascular dysregulation, immune dysregulation, autoimmune mechanisms, and metabolic dysfunction. In addition, results from clinical trials addressing disease mechanisms, including those specifically targeting autoantibodies, were presented. While public awareness and funding opportunities have increased in the wake of the pandemic and the emergence of PCS, ME/CFS remains severely underresearched. Sustained and adequately funded research efforts are urgently required to advance understanding, identify diagnostic markers, and develop targeted therapeutic interventions.

Keyword(s): Humans (MeSH) ; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic: therapy (MeSH) ; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic: diagnosis (MeSH) ; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic: epidemiology (MeSH) ; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic: immunology (MeSH) ; COVID-19: complications (MeSH) ; COVID-19: epidemiology (MeSH) ; COVID-19: immunology (MeSH) ; SARS-CoV-2 (MeSH) ; Quality of Life (MeSH) ; Congresses as Topic (MeSH) ; Biomarker ; COVID-19 ; Long COVID ; Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) ; Pathophysiology ; Post-COVID syndrome ; Therapeutic strategies

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Aging and Immunity (AG Aschenbrenner)

Research Program(s):

1. 354 - Disease Prevention and Healthy Aging (POF4-354) (POF4-354)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; BIOSIS Reviews Reports And Meetings ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 10 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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