http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/090318/20090318005979.html?.v=1
"The research proposal involves testing a newly discovered mechanism in which bacterial infection with the pathogen, Borrelia Borgdorferi, first activates an inflammatory response followed by a focused and more specific immune response. In previous studies the Viral Genetics model, discovered and unravelled by Dr Newell, suggests that the acute inflammation that is typical of initial infection with the bacteria should be helpful in resolving the disease. However, in some people (determined by their specific genetic makeup), the inability to dampen the inflammation and convert the immune response to a more focused, specific immune response may result in chronic ongoing symptoms characterized by the chronic "hyper-immune" activation.
Failure to control the initial inflammation in what should have been a temporary "innate" response turns into a chronic and spreading syndrome. The Newell model reconciles both the initial acute disease as Borrelia Burgdorferi mediated, and accounts for the immunologically-driven consequent processes that appear pathologically similar to outright autoimmune disease."
My doctor has been telling me that it is this inflammation and chronic activation of the innate immune system that causes most symptoms.