Could Epstein-Barr virus or canine distemper virus cause multiple sclerosis?

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Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG35-55) Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 Mice
08:03

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG35-55) Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 Mice

Published on: April 15, 2014

John A Lincoln1, Karolina Hankiewicz, Stuart D Cook

  • 1Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Multiple Sclerosis Center at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Doctors Office Center, Suite 8121, 90 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.

Neurologic Clinics
|July 29, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Epstein-Barr virus shows potential links to causing multiple sclerosis (MS), while canine distemper virus evidence is weaker. Further research is needed to confirm these viral connections to MS pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Viral Immunology
  • Pathogen-associated diseases

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neurological disorder.
  • Environmental factors, including viral infections, are suspected triggers.
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has growing evidence linking it to MS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
  • To assess the evidence for canine distemper virus (CDV) involvement in MS.
  • To determine the need for further research on viral causes of MS.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiologic, serologic, and pathologic evidence.
  • Analysis of existing data on EBV and CDV in relation to MS.
  • Assessment of the robustness of current scientific findings.

Main Results:

  • Significant evidence suggests EBV may cause or contribute to MS.
  • Evidence for CDV's role in MS is less substantial.
  • Current data are insufficient to definitively prove viral causation of MS.

Conclusions:

  • EBV is a strong candidate for a role in MS development.
  • CDV involvement in MS requires more investigation.
  • Definitive proof is needed to establish EBV or CDV as causative agents for MS.

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