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Viruses and multiple sclerosis
1Viral Immunology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system whose cause is still unknown. Many findings suggest an infectious etiology or, at least, that infectious agents in association with host genetic factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Accumulating data, including animal models, human models of virus induced demyelination, epidemiologic, and laboratory findings, demonstrate that viruses and host genetic factors can interact to cause immune-mediated demyelination. While many viruses have been postulated as a possible cause of MS, to date, no "MS virus" has been definitively shown to be associated with this disease. Alternatively, ubiquitous viruses are being considered as the environmental "triggers" that have been postulated to be involved in the MS disease process. We will focus on recent studies with human herpesvirus 6 and MS as how a common virus may be associated with this disorder in a subset of infected individuals.
Insights
The cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unknown, but research suggests viruses like human herpesvirus 6 may trigger the disease in some individuals, potentially interacting with genetic factors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system demyelinating disease with an unknown etiology.
- Evidence suggests infectious agents and host genetic factors may contribute to MS pathogenesis.
- Viruses interacting with host genetics are implicated in immune-mediated demyelination, as shown in various models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of ubiquitous viruses as environmental triggers in multiple sclerosis.
- To investigate the association between human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and MS in a subset of infected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Review of accumulating data from animal and human models of virus-induced demyelination.
- Analysis of epidemiologic and laboratory findings.
- Focus on recent studies examining human herpesvirus 6 and its potential link to MS.
Main Results:
- No specific virus has been definitively identified as the cause of MS to date.
- Ubiquitous viruses are increasingly considered as potential environmental triggers for MS.
- Recent studies explore the association of human herpesvirus 6 with MS in specific patient groups.
Conclusions:
- The etiology of multiple sclerosis is complex, likely involving interactions between environmental factors and host genetics.
- Human herpesvirus 6 is being investigated as a potential trigger for MS in a subset of the population.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of viruses in MS pathogenesis.