Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
09:43
An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Published on: March 30, 2018
9.1K
Epstein-Barr virus flare: A multiple sclerosis attack
Ali Naser Msheik1, Zeinab Al Mokdad2, Faten Hamed3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Lebanon.
Surgical Neurology International
|November 11, 2024
Summary
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is strongly linked to multiple sclerosis (MS), with high EBV DNA levels observed during relapses. Research is exploring novel EBV-targeted therapies to manage MS progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis (MS) is complex, with significant evidence suggesting a strong association.
- Elevated levels of EBV DNA are detected in the spinal cord and blood of MS patients, particularly during disease relapses, indicating a potential role in pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the association between EBV infection and MS.
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies targeting EBV for MS management.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search of PubMed was conducted up to November 2023.
- Studies were included if they validated EBV infection through laboratory testing and investigated the EBV-MS association.
Main Results:
- 16 articles were identified, confirming consistent EBV/infectious mononucleosis (IM) initiation across various study designs.
- Novel EBV-targeted therapies, such as adoptive T-cell therapy and gene-based immunotherapy, show promise in mitigating MS progression.
Conclusions:
- EBV is a significant factor in MS susceptibility, necessitating further research, particularly longitudinal studies.
- While promising, challenges in EBV-targeted MS therapies include safety concerns, the multifactorial nature of MS, and ethical considerations.
- Continued research into EBV's mechanisms in MS pathogenesis and exploration of novel therapeutic targets are crucial for improved MS management.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:17Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
01:29Coronavirus
Coronaviruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), are enveloped viruses characterized by their single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome and helical nucleocapsid structure. The hallmark of these viruses is their club-shaped spike (S) glycoproteins that protrude from the viral envelope, facilitating attachment to host cells. Typically, coronaviruses infect the upper respiratory tract, often causing mild or asymptomatic disease. However, certain strains like...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:26Encephalitis 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...