Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis
08:44

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis

Published on: September 7, 2022

The elusive link: EBV in MS

Svetlana P Eckert1,2, Gabriela Funez-DePagnier1, Mark D Hicar3

  • 1Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.

Expert Review of Clinical Immunology
|August 1, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection is linked to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) risk. Understanding EBV

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The established link between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) risk necessitates further investigation into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms.
  • The complex interplay of EBV subtypes, host immunity, and environmental factors contributes to the unclear relationship between EBV and MS development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms by which EBV may contribute to MS pathogenesis across relapsing-remitting and progressive disease.
  • To explore how MS risk factors and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) interact with EBV and influence MS pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of PubMed and Medline databases.
  • Keywords included 'Epstein-Barr Virus,' 'Multiple Sclerosis,' 'disease-modifying therapies,' and 'EBV activity.'
  • Synthesis of evidence to address EBV's role in MS pathophysiology and treatment efficacy.

Main Results:

  • EBV's molecular contribution to MS pathogenesis is explored across different MS types.
  • The influence of MS risk factors and the efficacy of DMTs are examined in the context of EBV activity.
  • The review addresses how EBV may explain the effects of certain risk factors and treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting EBV infection and replication is crucial for discovering an MS cure.
  • Suppression of EBV protein expression and targeting viral reservoirs are key strategies to prevent MS disease activity, progression, and neurodegeneration.
  • Addressing EBV is vital for managing MS, considering genetic factors and immune-mediated damage.
Keywords:
EBNAEBVEBV treatmentEpstein–Barr virusdisease progressionmultiple sclerosissusceptibility

More Related Videos

Isolation and Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus from the P3HR1 Cell Line09:14

Isolation and Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus from the P3HR1 Cell Line

Published on: September 28, 2022

An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection09:43

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

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...
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...
Rabies01:28

Rabies

Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...