Epstein-Barr Virus Linked to Increased Risk of Lupus, Stroke, and Arthritis Through 22 Identified Genes
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A groundbreaking new study reveals a connection between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), commonly known as the “kissing disease,” and an elevated risk of developing conditions like lupus, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. Published January 28 in the journal Nature, the research offers a crucial step toward understanding why some individuals who contract EBV experience lasting health consequences. The virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, is widespread, with most people becoming infected during adolescence. While many experience mild or no symptoms, EBV remains dormant in the body and can reactivate. This new research offers a crucial step toward identifying those at greatest risk and developing targeted interventions.
The recent surge of interest in EBV was partially fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, as experts investigated potential links between the virus and the emergence of long Covid.The latest findings, stemming from researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer center, Baylor College of Medicine, and AstraZeneca Plc, also suggest a likely relationship between EBV and chronic-fatigue syndrome, a debilitating condition sharing similarities with long Covid.
“Churning Trash into Treasure”: A Genomic breakthrough
The research team analyzed whole genome sequencing and health-record data from approximately 750,000 participants in two large databases: the UK Biobank and the US National Institutes of Health’s All of Us. A key insight, described by one of the study’s authors as an “aha moment,” arose from the realization that EBV leaves traces of its DNA within certain white blood cells. This meant that existing genomic data likely contained a hidden wealth of details about past EBV infections.
“We sort of joke internally that this was a project of churning trash into a treasure,” the researcher stated.
Correlation,Not Causation: Understanding the Findings
Its critically important to note that the study demonstrates a correlation between persistent EBV DNA and the increased risk of conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis,but does not prove direct causation. The findings indicate that the presence of EBV DNA is statistically associated with these illnesses, offering valuable insights into the underlying biology of chronic diseases.
“The findings should help researchers better understand the biology of patients who have common chronic diseases and understand ‘what part of their medical history might be most relevant towards their current clinical manifestation,'” explained a vice-president at AstraZeneca’s Centre for Genomics Research. “That might then dictate what is the best course of treatment.”
Future Directions: Vaccine Development and Further Research
While the study did not establish a strong link between EBV and multiple sclerosis,researchers emphasize that this doesn’t rule out a potential association. Differences in study design may account for the discrepancy. Further inquiry is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between EBV and various autoimmune and neurological conditions.
the research team also identified associations between EBV and chronic pulmonary disease as well as depressive episodes, expanding the scope of potential health impacts linked to the virus.
“Everything that we’ve found is purely a statistical association,” noted an assistant professor of pathology at Baylor College of Medicine. “So at this point we can’t really comment much on causality.”
Looking ahead, one of the study’s principal investigators expressed a stark assessment of the virus’s impact on public health. “I think 50 years from now, we’re going to look back and say, ‘how were we letting ourselves all get infected by EBV?'” he said. “This is clearly a detriment to our health.” He believes the research should serve as a powerful impetus for developing EBV vaccines to prevent future infections and mitigate the long-term health risks associated with the virus.
