Research shows how EBV and genetic risk factors interact in MS
MS is not caused by one single thing, but a combination of risk factors. Researchers have now discovered more about how Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection and certain genetic risk factors interact in MS.
For several decades, we’ve known there's a link between EBV infections and someone’s risk for MS. But most people infected with EBV won’t go on to develop MS later in life. That’s because MS isn’t caused by just one thing, such as an EBV infection. Instead, the causes of MS are likely a mix of risk factors, including certain genes and infections.
An international team of researchers has now found that the combination of EBV infection and carrying a particular version of a gene can cause our immune cells to target myelin. Myelin is the protective coating around our nerves that gets damaged in MS.
The role of EBV in B cell function
Using blood and tissue, including brain tissue from the MS Society Tissue Bank, the researchers looked at EBV-infected B cells. B cells are part of our immune system that help us fight off infections. But in MS, something goes wrong and they mistakenly identify myelin as a target.
B cells have something inside them called a human leucocyte antigen (HLA). This is a special protein that helps our immune system identify which cells belong in the body and which don’t. It does this by displaying pieces of viruses and bacteria, showing the immune system that they are threats.
The researchers discovered when B cells are infected with EBV, it can change how that HLA behaves.
Combining EBV infection and genetic risk
Depending on someone’s genetics, there are many different variants of HLA. Previous research has shown that people with a specific HLA type called HLA-DR15 have a higher risk of developing MS.
The researchers looked at EBV-infected cells of people with the HLA-DR15 variant. They found their HLA may send wrong signals to the immune system that myelin is a threat, teaching it to attack. This didn’t happen in B cells that were not infected with EBV.
What does this mean for people with MS?
This research links two major risk factors: EBV infection and a common genetic variant. It helps us better understand why people with HLA-DR15 may be more vulnerable to developing MS after EBV infection.
However, this is still very early-stage research and more studies will need to be done to confirm this connection. Better understanding this mechanism could help us develop new ways if treating or preventing MS in the future.
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