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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Isolation and Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus from the P3HR1 Cell Line
Published on: September 28, 2022
Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis: evidence of association from a prospective study with long-term follow-up
Gerald N DeLorenze1, Kassandra L Munger, Evelyn T Lennette
1Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, Calif, USA.
Objective:
To determine whether serum titers of anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies are elevated in blood specimens collected up to 30 years prior to onset of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods:
Individuals with MS were identified among members of the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plan who participated in the multiphasic examinations administered between 1965 and 1974. Stored serum samples were used to compare anti-EBV antibody titers in 42 individuals who developed MS with age-matched and sex-matched controls.
Results:
The geometric mean titers of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) complex and its component EBNA-1 were significantly higher in the MS cases when compared with matched controls. The relative risk of MS associated with a 4-fold increase in antibody titers was 2.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.8) for the EBNA complex and 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.9) for EBNA-1. Elevations of antibody titers to the EBNA complex and EBNA-1 among MS cases first occurred between 15 to 20 years before the onset of symptoms and persisted thereafter.
Conclusion:
The elevation of anti-EBV titers is probably an early event in the pathogenesis of MS and is unlikely to be the result of an aspecific immune dysregulation.
Insights
Elevated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody titers, specifically to EBNA and EBNA-1, were found up to 20 years before multiple sclerosis (MS) onset. This suggests EBV may play an early role in MS development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Virology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- The role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in MS pathogenesis is under investigation.
- Previous studies suggest a link between EBV infection and increased MS risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if serum antibody titers to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are elevated in individuals before the clinical onset of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To determine the temporal relationship between anti-EBV antibody levels and MS development.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed using stored serum samples from individuals in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plan.
- Serum samples from 42 individuals who developed MS were compared with age- and sex-matched controls.
- Antibody titers to the Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) complex and EBNA-1 were measured.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher geometric mean titers of antibodies to EBNA complex and EBNA-1 were observed in MS cases compared to controls.
- A 4-fold increase in EBNA complex antibody titers was associated with a 2.1-fold increased risk of MS.
- Elevated anti-EBV titers were detected 15-20 years prior to MS symptom onset and persisted.
- Antibody elevations were specific to EBNA complex and EBNA-1, not other EBV antigens.
Conclusions:
- Elevated anti-EBV antibody titers appear to be an early event in the development of MS.
- The findings suggest a specific role for EBV in MS pathogenesis, rather than a general immune response.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking EBV to MS.
