How Interactions between Genetic Variants and Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Contribute to Multiple Sclerosis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) for nearly 40 years and nearly all MS patients have a history of EBV infections. However, the mechanisms behind this association have been difficult to understand. Moreover, 95% of healthy adults have had a prior EBV infection but only 0.1-0.5% of adults have MS So what other factors are at play?

A recent study titled Gene–environment interactions: Epstein–Barr virus infection and risk of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis examined the connections between EBV infection and genetic variations to determine if there are any synergistic interactions that spur the development of pediatric-onset MS. In the study, they looked for genetic variants in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, which have been associated with several autoimmune diseases including MS, as well as other genetic risk factors beyond HLA. They found that a specific HLA variant called HLA-DRB1*15 and a variant in the CD86 gene, which produces a protein expressed on many immune cells, are linked to pediatric-onset MS risk.

Significance of this study: This study finds that EBV infection during childhood leads to a higher risk for developing pediatric-onset MS in those that have these specific genetic variants.

Citation:

Ziaei, A., et al. (2024). Gene-environment interactions: Epstein-Barr virus infection and risk of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis, 30(3), 308–315. https://doi.org/10.1177/13524585231224685