Epstein–Barr Virus and Autoimmunity: The Role of a Latent Viral Infection in Multiple Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pathogenesis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are both chronic autoimmune diseases with unknown etiology. To date, EBV is the most closely implicated infectious agent to be associated with both MS and SLE. Epidemiological findings show a strong correlation between EBV infection and the risk of developing these diseases. The type and magnitude of both EBV-specific antibodies and T-cell responses produced by MS or SLE patients are dysregulated when compared with healthy cohorts. Despite all these findings, it is still not clear if and how EBV triggers autoimmunity. EBV infects and establishes latency mainly in B cells, but it can also infect other cell types and indirectly influence the activation status of the immune system by stimulating the production of proinflammatory mediators. This could play a role in both MS and SLE pathogenesis. In this review we will summarize recent literature that links EBV infection to SLE and MS, and discuss possible new mechanisms that explain how EBV drives autoimmunity.Keywords n autoimmunity n EBV n herpesviruses n multiple sclerosis n systemic lupus erythematosus Review For reprint orders, please contact: reprints@futuremedicine.com

Interaction of Intestinal Microorganisms with the Human Host in the Framework of Autoimmune Diseases

“…Certain experimental studies indicated a connection between an abnormal immune response to EBV and SLE; more concisely, it has been observed that SLE patients developed specific anti-EBV IgG antibodies that were absent in healthy controls, and vice versa ( 57 ). From an epidemic point of view, EBV infection is associated with a higher risk of developing SLE and other autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis ( 58 ). As EBV infects B cells (and other immune cells) inducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, this fact and an aberrant immune response to this virus could be linked to SLE.…”

Association of clinical and serological parameters of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with Epstein‐Barr virus antibody profile

“…Once the virus is deactivated by immune system, it resides dormant inside of B cells . Reactivation can occur later in life when the host is under stress resulting in chronic fatigue and autoimmune diseases . Epstein‐Barr virus nuclear antigen‐1 is a transcriptional regulator of latent replication and, essential for the maintenance of the viral episome within the host …”