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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
09:41

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Published on: July 19, 2019

Viruses and multiple sclerosis

Jussi Oskari Virtanen1, Steve Jacobson

  • 1Viral Immunology Section, Neuroimmunology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA

CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug Targets
|May 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), are increasingly implicated as environmental triggers in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Further research into viral roles and antiviral therapies is recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Virology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
  • Viruses are suspected environmental triggers in MS pathogenesis, but specific causal agents remain unclear.
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) are key herpesviruses investigated for their role in MS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the association of various viruses with MS, focusing on EBV and HHV-6.
  • To discuss the evidence linking EBV and HHV-6 to MS development.
  • To propose novel strategies for investigating viral roles in MS pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on viral associations with MS.
  • Examination of seroepidemiological data and clinical observations linking EBV to MS.
  • Analysis of viral presence in MS lesions and correlation with disease activity for HHV-6.

Main Results:

  • Strong associations exist between EBV, infectious mononucleosis, and MS.
  • HHV-6 is found more frequently in MS plaques compared to normal brain tissue.
  • HHV-6 reactivation correlates with MS relapses.

Conclusions:

  • Viruses, especially EBV and HHV-6, are significant potential co-factors in MS pathogenesis.
  • Development of new animal models and antiviral clinical trials are crucial for further elucidation.
  • Advanced sequencing techniques can aid in identifying known and novel viral agents in MS.

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