New study untangles how Epstein-Barr virus triggers immune response in MS

In a new study published in Science Translational Medicine on Wednesday, researchers say they have uncovered how Epstein-Barr virus launches immune responses that lead to the inflammation and nervous system damage seen in people with multiple sclerosis. 

“It’s very nice now to be able to understand more about the underlying mechanisms of how EBV likely causes MS,” said lead author Kjetil Bjornevik, an assistant professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The findings, researchers hope, could help with the development of EBV vaccines or antiviral medications that could prevent or manage MS symptoms without the major side effects of commonly used immunosuppressants. 

Syed Rizvi, the director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Rhode Island, who was not involved in this study, said the new findings help advance MS research towards more precise approaches. “When you’re developing drugs, targeted drugs, every little step, every little molecule, every little antigen is a game changer,” he said.