Research Tracker›Biomarker Atlas›ME/CFS›CD8+ T cell perforin

CD8+ T cell perforin in ME/CFS

CD8+ T cell perforin, also described as Cytotoxic effector molecule, belongs to the immune group of ME/CFS (ME/CFS, CFS) markers and is reported to be decreased relative to healthy controls. Symptom domains tied to this marker in the source include T cell dysfunction. The evidence summarised here comes from Maksoud et al. 2023 and reflects averages across cohorts rather than any single patient's result.

↓ ReducedImmune

Summary

Direction in ME/CFS↓ Reduced — lower than in the comparison group
CategoryImmune
Also described asCytotoxic effector molecule
Compared againstHC (healthy controls)
Associated symptomsT cell dysfunction
Test typeBlood test (serum / plasma / whole blood)
SourceMaksoud et al. 2023 — doi:10.1186/s12916-023-02893-9
Condition atlasME/CFS Biomarker Atlas

Related Immune markers in ME/CFS

Full list: ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas.

Frequently asked questions

Is CD8+ T cell perforin high or low in ME/CFS?

Reduced. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report lower CD8+ T cell perforin in ME/CFS than in healthy controls. Source: Maksoud et al. 2023.

What symptoms is CD8+ T cell perforin associated with in ME/CFS?

The cited literature associates this marker with T cell dysfunction. These are population-level associations and do not mean the marker causes the symptoms.

Which test measures CD8+ T cell perforin?

It is measured as a blood test (serum / plasma / whole blood). Many of the cited studies used research-grade assays, so clinical availability may vary.

Is one abnormal CD8+ T cell perforin result diagnostic of ME/CFS?

No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of ME/CFS. CD8+ T cell perforin findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.

Cite this page

Open Source Medicine Foundation. (2026). CD8+ T cell perforin in ME/CFS: direction, evidence and what it means. OSMF Research Tracker. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://research.opensourcemed.info/biomarkers/me-cfs/cd8-t-cell-perforin.html
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-29 · Page generated from me-cfs.json · Browse: ME/CFS atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages

Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.