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Mendelian randomization reveals no correlations between herpesvirus infection and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Haihao Yan1, Chenghua Zhu1, Xiao Jin1

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.

Plos One
|November 28, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found no causal link between common herpesviruses (EBV, CMV, HSV) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Further research with larger datasets is needed to confirm these findings on herpesvirus infections and IPF risk.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Previous studies suggest a correlation between herpesvirus persistence and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) risk.
  • The causal relationship between herpesvirus infections and IPF remains unclear.

Approach:

  • A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to investigate the causal link.
  • Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data from three independent cohorts (FinnGen, Milieu Intérieur, 23andMe) were utilized.
  • Instrumental variables for herpesvirus infections and related IgG levels were screened against a large IPF susceptibility meta-analysis.

Key Points:

  • No significant association was found between genetically predicted Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), or herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections and IPF risk across cohorts.
  • Herpesvirus-related IgG levels (e.g., EBNA1, VCA) also showed no correlation with IPF risk in the Milieu Intérieur cohort.
  • Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these null findings, indicating no causal link.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides preliminary evidence that EBV, CMV, and HSV infections, as well as related IgG levels, are not causally associated with IPF.
  • Larger GWAS datasets and stronger instrumental variables are required for future MR analyses to further elucidate potential causal relationships.

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