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Epstein-Barr Virus Linked to Increased Risk of Autoimmune Diseases

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • EBV infects over 90% of adults worldwide, often without symptoms
  • Genetic factors can greatly increase MS risk after EBV infection
  • EBV is associated with lupus, heart disease, cancers, and other autoimmune disorders

Recent scientific studies have identified connections between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and the development of several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and lupus.

EBV is a common virus that infects the vast majority of adults globally, usually resulting in mild or unnoticed symptoms. Research has shown that, in some cases, the virus may contribute to the onset of chronic health conditions, particularly when combined with certain genetic factors.

One study involving over 10 million members of the US military found a strong association between EBV infection and the risk of developing MS. The presence of EBV was linked to a much higher likelihood of MS compared to individuals who were not infected.

Additional research indicates that genetic variations affecting immune regulation can further elevate the risk of MS in those exposed to specific EBV strains. In these cases, the combined effect of genetics and viral infection can result in a substantial increase in disease susceptibility.

What the numbers show

  • EBV infects 90-95% of adults worldwide
  • A study of 10 million US military personnel found a 32-fold increased MS risk after EBV infection
  • Genetic factors with certain EBV strains can raise MS risk by up to 260-fold

Researchers have identified 22 genes that are linked to an increased risk of long-term complications following EBV infection. These complications include lupus, heart disease, various cancers, and other autoimmune disorders.

EBV produces a protein known as EBNA2, which has been found to activate human genes associated with higher risk for several autoimmune diseases. These diseases include lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease.

A Stanford-led study reported that EBV infects a specific subset of B cells in the immune system. In individuals with lupus, these infected B cells are much more common and are believed to contribute to the disease process by presenting self-antigens and promoting autoimmune responses.

In lupus patients, EBV-infected B cells have been observed to produce antibodies that mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues. This process is thought to play a role in the inflammation seen in autoimmune conditions.

Furthermore, EBV-infected B cells have been detected within brain lesions of MS patients, suggesting a possible involvement of the virus in the pathology of the disease.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

Sources and further reading

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