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Viral pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis: A role for Epstein-Barr virus infection?

Amir-Hadi Maghzi1, Monica Marta, Isabel Bosca

  • 1Neuroimmunology Unit, Centre for Neuroscience & Trauma, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK; Isfahan Research Committee of Multiple Sclerosis (IRCOMS), Isfahan, Iran; Isfahan Neuroscience Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Pathophysiology : the Official Journal of the International Society for Pathophysiology
|June 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is increasingly linked to multiple sclerosis (MS), a common CNS disease. This review explores the evidence connecting EBV infection and MS, though its exact role remains unclear.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent inflammatory demyelinating and degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS).
  • The etiology of MS is unknown, but environmental factors, including viral infections, are suspected.
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has emerged as a leading candidate infectious trigger for MS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current evidence linking Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • To discuss the potential role of EBV in the pathophysiology of MS.
  • To examine the relationship between MS immunopathology and EBV infection regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiological, immunological, and pathological studies.
  • Synthesis of emerging evidence on the association between EBV and MS.
  • Analysis of proposed mechanisms for EBV's involvement in MS.

Main Results:

  • A strong association between EBV infection and MS has been observed.
  • Epidemiological data and immunopathological features support an infectious etiology for MS.
  • The precise role of EBV in MS pathogenesis is still under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Emerging evidence strongly suggests a link between EBV infection and multiple sclerosis.
  • Further research is needed to determine if EBV directly causes MS or if MS affects EBV regulation.

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