Alberto Ascherio and Stephen Hauser have stormed the public stage as of late with even more revolutionary research. In a broader sense, they are investigating the relationship between the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis (MS). In particular, their findings provide compelling evidence that EBV has an indispensable role in the pathogenesis of MS. This finding paves the way for targeting EBV in future prevention and treatment strategies.
EBV is perhaps most famous as the cause of infectious mononucleosis, or “mono.” What’s remarkable is that more than 95% of the population is infected with EBV by adulthood. Not all people who get the virus experience the typical symptoms associated with mono. Others might not have any side effects, or just mild ones, like fatigue, fever or swollen lymph nodes. This potentiality adds another layer of complexity to directly proving a causal link between EBV and MS.
As research progresses, scientists have begun to accept that EBV is a central player and the leading cause of MS. This long, landmark, 20-year study has yielded a shocking discovery. An EBV infection increases an individual’s risk of developing MS by an alarming 32 times. This impacting statistic highlights the need for continued research into EBV’s role in this life-altering neurological disorder.
Understanding EBV’s Role in Multiple Sclerosis
New research suggests that EBV can trigger inflammation in the brain. This initial inflammatory attack may lead to development of secondary progressive course type multiple sclerosis (MS… ). Dr. Ascherio has spotlighted EBV’s powerful hand in multiple sclerosis. He argues it is finally being accepted as the main cause of the illness. While this acceptance has been underway, the specific ways that EBV causes MS are still not understood.
Dr. Ascherio emphasizes the complexity of proving EBV’s link to MS due to its prevalence: “The fact that the virus is so common makes it difficult to prove.” EBV is an interesting virus. He clarifies that almost everybody will get infected with EBV sooner or later. Serious illnesses, particularly neurologic diseases, occur in a rare minority of people who get infected. This disparity complicates efforts to ascertain causation.
In addition to infection rates, the reactivation of EBV in the body is becoming a focal point of research. Dr. Ascherio proposes that “EBV reactivation in the brain is probably critical for MS pathogenesis.” It is this critical insight that can be used to develop innovative treatment strategies. These strategies will specifically address controlling EBV activity in people who are genetically predisposed to developing MS.
The Implications for Research and Treatment
Although EBV has already been found to play a role in the development of MS, researchers are still investigating the specifics of that relationship. Perhaps the greatest challenge is understanding how some people go on to get MS after infection with EBV while others do not. The major risk factor for MS, based on Ascherio’s meticulous studies, is EBV infection.
Dr. Stephen Hauser has noted the significant advancements in understanding the role of B cells in MS: “It would have been impossible to imagine that 35 years later B cells would rest, arguably, at the epicenter of MS immunology.” His view provides an example about how far we’ve come in research. It explicitly links immune responses to viral infections, including EBV, with neurological health.
As scientists continue to explore this connection, they are encouraged by prospects of intervention. If so, targeting EBV reactivation could provide novel approaches to preventing or perhaps one day even treating MS. With the increased and rapid dissemination of the harmful virus, we have a historic opportunity to utilize targeted public health efforts to lower the incidence of MS.
The Path Ahead
The relationship between EBV and MS is an exciting new frontier for both medical researchers and neurologists in treating the disorder. Although there is still much to be learned about how EBV infection translates into MS, there seems to be some consensus on its importance.
This work affects the health of not only patients, but the public at large. By gaining a better understanding of EBV, we can create new initiatives to reduce the risk factors associated with MS. With additional research expected in the coming years, scientists hope to better understand the underlying mechanisms at play and what prevention strategies might work best.
