Epstein-Barr Virus and Its Role in Multiple Sclerosis: A Growing Area of Research
In recent years, scientific evidence linking the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has grown significantly. EBV, a common herpesvirus that infects most people at some point in their lives, is best known for causing infectious mononucleosis ("mono"). However, research now suggests that it may also play a central role in triggering MS, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
Main content
By: Rachele Bigi, researcher at the Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs at听Sapienza University of Rome
One of the most compelling discoveries involves the virus鈥檚 genetic makeup鈥攕pecifically a viral protein known as EBNA-2 (Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 2). 大象传媒 have shown that EBNA-2 may influence the immune system in a way that promotes autoimmune responses, contributing to the development of MS and potentially other autoimmune disorders.
Importantly, it's not just the virus that matters鈥�human genetics also play a key role. Particular focus has been placed on the HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) genes, which are strongly associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases like MS. By studying how EBV genetic variants interact with certain HLA types in humans, researchers hope to uncover the precise mechanisms through which the virus contributes to MS.
To explore these connections, an international research collaboration has been launched by Professors Marco Salvetti (Sapienza University of Rome), Arcadi Navarro (Universitat Pompeu Fabra), and Gabriel Santpere Bar贸 (Hospital del Mar Research Institute). Their work focuses on conducting a viral genome-wide association study (vGWAS) of EBV in MS patients.
Key Goals of the Study:
- Collect saliva and blood samples from individuals with MS and healthy controls
- Sequence the entire EBV genome from these samples
- Compare EBV genomes found in blood and saliva
- Analyze viral genetic variations and their correlations with disease
- Determine human HLA types to study virus-host interactions
Researchers including Roberta Soscia (Sapienza University) and Sara Gordillo Sampedro and Laura Garcia Riba (IMIM, Hospital del Mar Research Institute) are leading the effort in DNA extraction and sequencing from patient samples. Building a large and diverse patient cohort is key to ensuring robust, reproducible results and to developing a standardized sequencing protocol for comparing blood and saliva samples.
This collaboration is more than just a scientific partnership鈥攊t represents a shared commitment to advancing our understanding of how EBV may influence the human immune system. By shedding light on these interactions, the team hopes to uncover new therapeutic targets and ultimately contribute to the development of more effective treatments鈥攐r even preventive strategies鈥攆or multiple sclerosis.
As the study progresses, it not only strengthens the scientific foundations of EBV-MS research but also equips our teams with cutting-edge techniques, fostering the next generation of researchers in the fields of virology, immunogenetics, and neuroimmunology.
听