Ineffective control of Epstein-Barr-virus-induced autoimmunity increases the risk for multiple sclerosis. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38091993/)

These scientists wanted to understand why some people who have high levels of a certain type of antibody called EBV EBNA(386-405)-specific antibodies, which are related to a virus called Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), develop a disease called multiple sclerosis (MS) while others do not. They found that the reason for this is because of differences in the genes of the person and the virus. They discovered that certain cells in our immune system, called NKG2C(+) and NKG2D(+) natural killer (NK) cells, as well as specific T cells that fight against the EBV virus, can kill the cells in our body that are targeted by these autoreactive antibodies. They also found that the virus can change its genetic makeup in a way that helps these cells avoid being killed by our immune system. These differences in genes between the person and the virus can increase the risk of developing MS by up to 260 times. This research can help doctors identify people who are at risk of developing MS early on and find new ways to treat the disease.

Vietzen H., Berger SM., Kuhner LM., Furlano PL., Bsteh G., Berger T., Rommer P., Puchhammer-Stockl E. Ineffective control of Epstein-Barr-virus-induced autoimmunity increases the risk for multiple sclerosis. Cell. 2023 Dec 21;186(26):5705-5718.e13. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.015. Epub 2023 Dec 12.