Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
07:27

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK

Published on: December 18, 2012

11.3K

Multiple sclerosis and herpesvirus interaction

Guilherme Sciascia do Olival1, Bruna Mendonça Lima, Laura M Sumita

  • 1Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São PauloSP, Brasil.

Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|October 22, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is linked to herpesviruses, which can lie dormant in the central nervous system. While these viruses are implicated, other factors likely contribute to MS development, requiring further research.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Virology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS).
  • The etiology of MS is multifactorial, involving both genetic predisposition and environmental influences.
  • Herpesviridae family members are increasingly studied for their potential role in MS pathogenesis due to their latency and exacerbation cycles within the CNS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the implicated role of herpesviruses in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
  • To highlight the specific herpesviruses most frequently associated with MS.
  • To discuss the likely multifactorial etiology of MS beyond viral involvement.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating viral triggers of multiple sclerosis.
  • Analysis of evidence implicating herpesviruses in the development and progression of MS.
  • Synthesis of current understanding regarding the interaction of genetic and environmental factors in MS.

Main Results:

  • Several herpesviruses, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7), are studied as potential MS triggers.
  • The herpesvirus family shows strong involvement in the pathogenesis of MS.
  • Herpesviruses are unlikely to be the sole cause of MS, suggesting a complex interplay of factors.

Conclusions:

  • Herpesviruses are significantly implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
  • The development of MS is likely influenced by multiple triggers, not solely herpesviruses.
  • Further research is essential to elucidate the complex interactions and define the precise role of various factors in MS etiology.

More Related Videos

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation12:22

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation

Published on: April 2, 2012

17.3K
Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination09:38

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination

Published on: September 12, 2016

16.0K

Related Concept Videos

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
32
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
108
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
32
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
3.2K
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
2.4K
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions01:26

Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions

A drug interaction occurs when the concurrent use of another drug, food, or an external substance alters the pharmacological activity of a drug. This interaction can modify the action of the original drug, affecting its effectiveness and safety.Drug–food interactions are significant as they impact drug absorption, metabolism, and excretion. For example, grapefruit juice is a well-known disruptor of drug metabolism. It inhibits the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme, crucial for the metabolism of...
744