Detection of Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus Related Virus (XMRV) in Gulf War Illness: Role in Pathogenesis or Biomarker.

摘要

The purpose of this project is to evaluate subjects with Gulf War illness (GWI) for pathogens and potential biomarkers. The scope of this work will primarily encompass transcriptional analysis of lymphocytes from individual with GWI and compare the results to the same data from healthy control volunteers. Any potential pathogens identified will be confirmed by complimentary methods. Additionally, we will also survey the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines from the same individuals as well as evaluate lymphocyte populations. This information will be used to produce a diagnostic signature that can be used to delineate those who suffer from GWI from those who do not. At this time, we are developing a potential diagnostic signature that can be used to distinguish GWI from healthy controls and a closely related illness, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).