Epstein-Barr Virus Linked to Lupus Disease Development

A groundbreaking study has emerged linking the Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, to the autoimmune disease lupus. This research indicates that EBV, typically a harmless virus responsible for mild illnesses like sore throats and fever, may trigger immune cells to attack the body's own tissues, leading to lupus.

According to Professor William Robinson, senior author of the study at Stanford University, this discovery may apply to all lupus cases, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches. The study also highlights that lupus affects approximately sixty-nine thousand people in the UK, and despite its prevalence, the causes of lupus have remained largely unclear, with no known cure available.

Previous epidemiological surveys hinted at a link between EBV and lupus, a theory that gained traction after establishing a connection between EBV and multiple sclerosis. This latest research digs deeper, revealing how EBV causes lupus at the cellular level.

Researchers found that in lupus patients, the number of B cells infected with EBV was significantly higher compared to healthy individuals, with about one in four hundred B cells hosting EBV in lupus patients versus fewer than one in ten thousand in healthy controls.

Notably, EBV was found more frequently in autoreactive B cells, which normally remain inactive in healthy individuals. These findings illustrate that EBV activates these B cells, prompting them to not only target internal antigens but also recruit other immune cells to join the attack.

Additionally, the study notes that other factors contribute to lupus susceptibility, including hormonal influences and genetic predispositions among various ethnic backgrounds. Professor Guy Gorochov from Sorbonne University acknowledged the significance of these findings, stating that while this is not the final word on lupus, the research presents a compelling concept.

If confirmed, this could accelerate clinical trials for an EBV vaccine, which are already underway. Researchers are also exploring the potential of repurposing cancer therapies aimed at eliminating B cells for severe lupus cases.

This study is published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, emphasizing the urgent need for further research into viral links to chronic diseases and their potential implications for public health.