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The association between multiple sclerosis and infection with Epstein-Barr virus and retrovirus
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, The Bartholin Building, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Abstract:
B-lymphoblastoid cell-lines may develop spontaneously in mononuclear cells from patients with multiple sclerosis, an observation rarely seen in healthy individuals. Examination of such spontaneously established B-cell lines reveal the presence of Epstein-Barr virus and retrovirus particles. We have speculated that in predisposed individuals, a dual infection with retrovirus and late acquired Epstein-Barr virus plays an aetiological role in the development of multiple sclerosis. This hypothesis is supported by a number of observations, including the finding that infection with Epstein-Barr virus may be a prerequisite for developing multiple sclerosis. The association between multiple sclerosis and infection with Epstein-Barr virus and retrovirus is evaluated in this study.
Insights
Spontaneously developing B-cell lines in multiple sclerosis patients contain Epstein-Barr virus and retroviruses. This suggests a potential dual infection role in multiple sclerosis etiology for predisposed individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Neurology
Background:
- B-lymphoblastoid cell lines develop spontaneously in multiple sclerosis patients, unlike in healthy individuals.
- These cell lines harbor Epstein-Barr virus and retrovirus particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between multiple sclerosis and Epstein-Barr virus and retrovirus infections.
- To investigate the hypothesis that a dual infection plays an etiological role in multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Examination of spontaneously established B-cell lines from multiple sclerosis patients.
- Analysis of viral presence (Epstein-Barr virus and retroviruses) within these cell lines.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous B-cell line development is observed in multiple sclerosis patients.
- Epstein-Barr virus and retrovirus particles are detected in these B-cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Epstein-Barr virus infection may be a prerequisite for multiple sclerosis development.
- A dual infection with retrovirus and Epstein-Barr virus is hypothesized to be etiological in multiple sclerosis for predisposed individuals.