Epstein–Barr virus and multiple sclerosis. From evidence to therapeutic strategies

Abstract Multiple sclerosis is caused by a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is an environmental risk factor that is strongly related to multiple sclerosis (MS), since EBV seropositivity is linked to a significant risk of developin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the neurological sciences 2016-02, Vol.361, p.213-219
Main Authors: Fernández-Menéndez, Santiago, Fernández-Morán, Marta, Fernández-Vega, Iván, Pérez-Álvarez, Angel, Villafani-Echazú, Javier
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
B-cell
Brain - pathology
Brain - virology
CD20
Epstein-Barr virus
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections - complications
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections - pathology
Herpesvirus 4, Human
Human endogenous retroviruses
Humans
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis - pathology
Multiple Sclerosis - virology
Neurology
Risk Factors
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Summary:Abstract Multiple sclerosis is caused by a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is an environmental risk factor that is strongly related to multiple sclerosis (MS), since EBV seropositivity is linked to a significant risk of developing MS. EBV may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and it is possibly a prerequisite for the development of MS. EBV infection persists in B-cells during the lifetime of the host and can modulate their function. In addition, MS patients might have a deficient capacity to eliminate latent EBV infection in the central nervous system and this would promote the accumulation of infected B cells. Several mechanisms of pathogenesis, including a direct and indirect function of infected B cells, have been postulated in inflammation and neurodegeneration. A relationship between EBV and human endogenous retroviruses in the pathogenesis of MS has also been reported. If EBV is important in the pathogenesis of MS, different therapeutic strategies seem possible for MS treatment.
ISSN:0022-510X
1878-5883
DOI:10.1016/j.jns.2016.01.013