The predominance of evidence indicating that people with CFS have decreased function of NK cells and abnormal activation of T and NK cells was supported by this study. The purpose of the study was to determine usefulness of these measurements as biomarkers. By ROC analysis, NKCC and dipeptidyl peptidase/CD26 were identified as potential biomarkers for CFS through their demonstrated accuracy in discriminating CFS patients from healthy controls. Dipeptidyl peptidase/CD26 on lymphocytes or in serum was not correlated with NKCC, suggesting that these are non-redundant biomarkers. Current CFS treatments are directed at reducing symptom severity but no cure exists for this condition. The findings of this study give support to the concept that cause and/or the pathophysiology of CFS are related to infection. These findings may lead to therapeutic approaches. The specter of infectious disease further emphasizes the significance of this research to public health.

www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0010817