Epstein-Barr virus in systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis—association and causation

Epidemiological data suggest that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. However, it is not clear whether EBV plays a role in the pathogenesis of these diseases, and if so, by whi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Viruses 2012-12, Vol.4 (12), p.3701-3730
Main Authors: Lossius, Andreas, Johansen, Jorunn N, Torkildsen, Øivind, Vartdal, Frode, Holmøy, Trygve
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arthritis, Rheumatoid - complications
Arthritis, Rheumatoid - etiology
Epstein-Barr virus
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections - epidemiology
Herpesvirus 4, Human - pathogenicity
Humans
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - complications
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - etiology
Multiple Sclerosis - complications
Multiple Sclerosis - etiology
Review
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Summary:Epidemiological data suggest that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. However, it is not clear whether EBV plays a role in the pathogenesis of these diseases, and if so, by which mechanisms the virus may contribute. In this review, we discuss possible viral and immunological mechanisms that might explain associations between EBV and autoimmune diseases and whether these associations represent causes or effects of inflammation and autoimmunity.
ISSN:1999-4915
1999-4915
DOI:10.3390/v4123701