When removing contamination, accidents can happen if people are not careful. For example, while dusting an antique bowl, someone might knock over a lamp. The lamp could fall and shatter into pieces.
A similar process can occur in the immune system. When the body responds to infection, mistakes sometimes occur. These errors can trigger cascading negative health effects.
Researchers from University of California, San Francisco recently investigated a link between Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Multiple sclerosis (MS). This finding is important because EBV is extremely common. About 96 percent of people become infected during their lifetime. Most infections occur during childhood and cause few symptoms.
In some cases, EBV causes infectious mononucleosis, often called “kissing disease.” MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. In MS, the immune system attacks myelin surrounding nerve fibers. Myelin is a fatty, protein-rich layer that protects nerve signals. Nearly one million Americans currently live with MS.
What Links EBV and MS?
The research team published its study on February 5 in Nature Immunology. The study revealed unusually high levels of certain immune cells. These cells are called CD8-positive killer T cells. They destroy infected or defective cells.
Researchers observed these cells more frequently in people with MS. Many of the cells targeted EBV-infected cells specifically. Because of this pattern, scientists suspect EBV may trigger immune dysfunction.
Most previous MS research focused on CD4-positive T cells. These cells activate immune responses but do not destroy cells directly. They are also easier to study in animal models.
The UCSF researchers used a different strategy. They examined killer T cells in people with MS. Scientists analyzed blood and cerebrospinal fluid, also called CSF. The study included 13 patients with MS or possible symptoms. Five additional participants without MS served as comparison subjects.
After organizing the data, researchers searched for killer T cells targeting proteins. Participants without MS showed similar protein levels in blood and CSF. However, MS patients showed ten to one hundred times more proteins in CSF.
Researchers also examined EBV-related genetic activity. Because EBV infects most people, the virus appeared in many samples. However, one active gene appeared only in individuals with MS. Scientists believe this gene may drive immune dysfunction linked to MS.
Earlier studies have also linked EBV to other autoimmune diseases. These include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Long COVID. Another study examined more than 10 million individuals. Researchers found a 32-fold higher MS risk after EBV infection. A separate study in 2024 found increased EBV-targeting T cells in MS patients. Together, these findings strengthen evidence connecting EBV and MS.
Conclusion
Researchers found strong evidence linking Epstein-Barr virus infection to multiple sclerosis. The virus may trigger immune cells that mistakenly attack protective nerve tissue. These findings could guide future research toward preventing or treating multiple sclerosis.
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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
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