Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
11:22

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

27.7K

Stratifying Multiple Sclerosis Susceptibility Risk: The Role of HLA-E*01 and Infectious Mononucleosis in a Population

Andrea Nova1, Davide Gentilini1,2, Giovanni Di Caprio1

  • 1Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.

European Journal of Neurology
|April 7, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Individuals with the HLA-E*01:01 gene variant and a history of infectious mononucleosis (IM) face a significantly higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). This finding highlights a potential genetic link between EBV infection and MS susceptibility.

Area of Science:

  • Immunogenetics
  • Neuroimmunology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection and infectious mononucleosis (IM) are established risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system plays a critical role in immune responses and MS susceptibility.
  • Previous in vitro studies suggested a protective role for HLA-E*01:03 against MS, contrasting with potential risks associated with HLA-E*01:01.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the HLA-E*01:01 allele and MS risk in individuals with a history of IM.
  • To determine if HLA-E*01:01 interacts with IM history to modify MS risk.
  • To evaluate the role of HLA-E*01 alleles in the context of EBV infection and MS pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a large cohort of 487,144 individuals from the UK Biobank.
  • Employed Cox proportional hazard models to assess the interaction between HLA-E*01:01 and IM history.
  • Adjusted for key covariates including demographics, smoking, body size, number of older siblings, and known MS-related HLA alleles like HLA-DRB1*15:01.

Main Results:

  • The HLA-E*01:01 allele alone was not significantly associated with IM or MS.
  • A significant interaction (p < 0.001) was found between HLA-E*01:01 and IM history regarding MS risk.
  • MS risk was substantially elevated in HLA-E*01:01 heterozygotes (HR=1.74) and homozygotes (HR=3.01) with a history of IM, compared to HLA-E*01:03 homozygotes.

Conclusions:

  • HLA-E*01:01 carriers with a history of IM exhibit significantly increased MS risk, independent of other HLA alleles.
  • This finding supports the hypothesis that HLA-E*01:01 may impair immune control over EBV infection, contributing to MS susceptibility.
  • Integrating HLA-E*01:01 status into risk models could improve personalized MS risk assessment for individuals with a history of IM.
Keywords:
EBVHLAMHCmononucleosismultiple sclerosis

More Related Videos

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Lymphocyte Infiltration in Central Nervous System during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis09:01

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Lymphocyte Infiltration in Central Nervous System during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: November 17, 2020

7.0K
Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice05:44

Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice

Published on: October 13, 2023

1.2K

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
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...